"John the Baptist"

January 13, 2013

“John the Baptist”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading…
Matthew 3:1-6
Mark 1:2-6
Luke 3:1-6
John 1:19-23

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John the Baptist - the last of the Old Covenant prophets.

We learn much about him in the passages…Luke gives precise historical timing.

John’s Message:
  • He proclaimed “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near”.
  • He was the one whom Isaiah the prophet spoke
    • voice of one shouting in the wilderness
    • prepare the way for the Lord
    • make His paths straight
  • preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins

Description:
  • lived in the wilderness
  • clothing of camel hair
  • leather belt about the waist
  • diet consist of locusts and wild honey

Response:
  • people from all around the region were going to him to hear message
  • baptized as they confessed their sins
  • Jewish leadership checked him out

The gospel of John gives some interesting insight.
The Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites to question him.
Religious leaders always resent someone else drawing a crowd.
By John’s answers we can glean the inferences of the questions.
He stated:
“I am not the Christ”
“I am not” (Elijah)
“I am not” (The Prophet)
“I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

So, John knew that he was fulfilling the Word of Isaiah.

Yet, he said he was not Elijah.
The Jews were expecting Elijah...still are.

Remember this as we go through the gospels.
Jesus will give us more understanding later.
This is a good example of the need to procure the full counsel of the Word.

For now...
John prepared folk for the coming of the Lord.
Are you?
The Lord will return soon.
Are you ready?
Are you preparing folk?