S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Although his name implies that he baptized people (which he did), John's life on earth was more than just baptizing. John's adult life was characterized by blind devotion and utter surrender to Jes...

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July 01 2013 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Gary Wofford Supporter

There was a question as to whether John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins. That question was merged with this one. 

Elizabeth was Mary's aunt. Mary was Elizabeth's niece. That means that Jesus and John were some degree of cousins, but not first cousins. To be first cousins, Elizabeth and Mary would need to be sisters, and they weren't. They were a generation apart, even though Jesus and John were almost exactly the same age (within 3 or 4 months of each other).

August 23 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Good question, Barbara Kemp! (Who was John the Baptist?)

Mt. 11:3: The one who is to come refers to the Messiah (see Matthew 3:11). John knew who Jesus was, but he wants to be sure He is the Messiah (compare Matthew 3:7-12). --Faithlife Study Bible, Mt 11:3).

John's faith was faltering at this point while he is in jail. But Jesus has much to reassure him with, and He says good things about his cousin:

Jesus says John is one of history's greatest men! Matthew 11:7-11.

And in Matthew 11:12-15 Jesus compares John's ministry with that of Elijah. --Harold Wilmington

Yes, his faith may have been faltering at the end of his life, but what Jesus said in Matthew 11:5 would surely encourage him. See this portrayed so dramatically here:

Teaching With The Chosen: Jesus speaks with John the Baptist's disciples, Matthew 11, Luke 7

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_hj9CNOe3w

I think we can learn one more thing about John the Baptist: boldness --
The Old Testament prophet wrote:

“But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.”

King James Version (KJV)

Now listen to John the Baptist:

7-10 When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It’s your life that must change, not your skin! And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. (Mt 3)

June 17 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What should we learn from the life of John the Baptist?

John the Baptist's life teaches us to live with radical humility, prioritising a "decrease" of self so Christ may increase. He modelled bold, uncompromising truth-telling, selfless focus on pointing others to Jesus, and joyful, simple devotion to God's purpose over worldly status.

Lessons from his life 

Humility and Purpose: John defined his life by pointing to Jesus, saying, "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30). He understood his role was to serve Christ, not to gain personal fame.

Courageous Truth-Telling: He spoke out against sin, even when it was unpopular and dangerous, such as challenging Herod's unlawful marriage.

Living with Simplicity: John's lifestyle was distinct and minimalist, allowing him to focus entirely on his spiritual mission without being distracted by worldly desires.

A Message of Repentance: He preached "repentance for the forgiveness of sins", urging people to change their lives and turn toward God rather than merely feeling sorry.

Not Fearing Differences: His unusual appearance and lifestyle show that it is okay to be different from the world to serve God's purpose.

Doubt and Faith: Even when imprisoned and doubting, John sought assurance from Jesus, demonstrating that having questions does not diminish true devotion.

John the Baptist reminds us to be faithful, humble servants who prepare the way for Jesus in our daily lives.

He lived alone in the wilderness of Judea, a barren, rocky place where snakes, scorpions, large predators, and bandits lived. John had the courage not only to live there but also to preach a bold message.

John's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, would have told him what the angel of God had said about him. So John surely understood that he was to be a zealous prophet like Elijah, a Nazirite like Samuel, and a forerunner of someone far greater than himself. At 30, John would have been eligible to become a priest like his father. Instead, he began calling people to repent.

John's message would help sincere listeners recognise Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah. (Matthew 11:10) 

What made John the Baptist unique?

Through his preaching, John fulfilled the prophecy about God's messenger. (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3) He proved to be the one who would "get ready for God a prepared people"—that is, he paved the way for his fellow Jews to accept the message of God's primary representative, Jesus Christ.—Luke 1:17.

John was arrested and imprisoned for boldly declaring the truth. But he did not shirk his responsibility to expose even the sin of King Herod. In violation of God's law, that king was living in adultery with his own brother's wife, Herodias. John spoke out so that the man might repent and obtain God's mercy.

What an example John was of faith and love! At the cost of his personal freedom, he proved his faithfulness to God and his love for fellow humans.

John urged his own followers to turn to Jesus. Many of them did so, including Andrew, the brother of Peter and likely John, the son of Zebedee. Both later became apostles of Christ.

Interestingly, the first Kingdom proclaimer mentioned in the Gospels was John the Baptizer. (Matthew 3:1, 2; Luke 3:18) His primary purpose was "to bear witness," and he did so with heartfelt faith and with the hope "that people of all sorts might believe." (John 1:6, 7) 

Interesting also: the last and greatest pre-Christian witness was John the Baptist. (Matthew 11:11) 

John was not a boastful person. He was modest.​ John's determination and unwavering integrity give us the courage to stand up and speak out against injustices in our world. John lived his life to introduce others to Jesus Christ; he was focused on the mission God had given him.

What a wonderful example for Christians today.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report