*John’s story is told in all four Gospels
Who is John the Baptist?
- John was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah, a priest, in their old age.
- His miraculous birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel and marked by his mother’s barrenness.
- John’s mission was to prepare the hearts of people for the coming Messiah, as the last of the Old Testament prophets.
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Fearless Preacher: John fearlessly proclaimed a message of repentance, urging people to turn away from their sins and prepare for the Messiah’s arrival.
- Humility and Self-Denial: John’s austere lifestyle, living in the wilderness and wearing simple clothing, demonstrated his humility and dedication to his mission.
- Baptism and Symbolism: He introduced the practice of water baptism as a symbol of repentance and spiritual cleansing, setting the stage for Jesus’ ministry.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Doubt: When in prison, John began to doubt Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, possibly due to his own suffering and unfulfilled expectations.
- Challenging Authority: John openly criticized King Herod’s immoral actions, leading to his arrest and eventual execution.
Lessons from His Life
- Obedience to Calling: John’s unwavering commitment to his prophetic calling reminds us of the importance of faithfully fulfilling the purpose God assigns us.
- Humility and Exaltation: John’s humility and willingness to decrease so that Christ might increase teaches us the value of putting God’s plan above our own desires.
- Repentance and Baptism: John’s message of repentance and baptism serves as a reminder that a genuine relationship with God begins with acknowledging our need for forgiveness.
Key Verses (NIV Version)
- Luke 1:15-17: “He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah…”
- Matthew 3:1-3: “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'”
- John 3:30: “He must become greater; I must become less.”