Quest 36

Feb 16

Have you ever seen a photo album of signs? Or go on a vacation to see signs?

No, we take pictures of the attraction, like the Grand Canyon. In Matthew 11, we learn about someone who was like a road sign – he pointed to the main attraction.

John the Baptist

Born 6 months before Jesus (Luke 1:26) -In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth
His mother related to Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:36) - Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age.
His parents were of priestly families (Luke 1:5) - In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
Lived in the wilderness – perhaps never lived in a house as an adult (Luke 1:80, Matthew 3:4) - And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel. . . . John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
Baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13) - Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
Imprisoned and beheaded during Jesus’ ministry by King Herod (Luke 3: 19-20; Mark 6:27-28)) - But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison. . . So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter.
Still had disciples 20 years later and 600 miles away (Acts 19:1) - While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples.

What can we learn from John the Baptist?

1. Manage Expectations

Matthew 11:2-3 - When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

If you are the Messiah who is going to restore God’s Kingdom, where is this revolution and why am I still in prison? He had been in prison 10 months.
He sent a delegation 90 miles north to ask the question: “Did I get this wrong?”
What are your expectations for Jesus? Make your life easier, more comfortable? Even worse, to make you happy in sin?

2. Understanding Purpose

Matthew 11:10 - This is the one about whom it is written: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”

John was a sign pointing people to Jesus.Your purpose? You are a sign pointing people to Jesus.
John summed it up for all of us (John 3:30) - He must become greater; I must become less.

3. True Significance

Matthew 11:11 - I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

John was great because of his proximity and promotion of Jesus (Quest 52, page 234)
How can the least in the Kingdom be greater than John.
- John announced Jesus’ coming – we announce Jesus’ second coming.
- John baptized Jesus in the Jordan – we baptize people into Christ.
- John announced Jesus as the Lamb of God – we proclaim him as the risen Savior.
John never knew the extent of God’s love – you do. You know the cross.