Luke Hukee, 5/21/11

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Background on John the Baptist
• Luke 1:5-17, 80

I. John is not the Messiah, Elijah, nor the Prophet

o John 1:19-23

So who is John the Baptist?

1. Messenger (Malachi 2:17-3:1)

o John’s message
§ Repentance (Mark 1:4-8)
o What is the purpose?
§ Preparing the way for Jesus, laying the groundwork for the coming and
teaching of Christ, preparing for the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3)
§ Baptizing as a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit which Jesus was to
bring in his coming (Matthew 3:11-12)

2. Witness (John 1:6-8; 5:30-35)

o Jesus can’t alone bear witness to his validity, so John is one witness for him, along
with Jesus’ works & miracles, and the Scriptures
o He was a burning & shining lamp, bearing witness to Jesus as the Messiah

II. John points to Jesus as the Messiah Lamb of God

o The Lamb of God = the sacrifice for our sin (John 1:29-34, Isaiah 53:1-10)

How does John know this?

• John saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus as God said it would (John 1:32-34)

III. John points to Jesus as the one we should follow

o He wasn’t trying to get people to follow him, but rather Jesus (John 1:35-39)
  

Luke Hukee, 5/21/11

JOHN THE BAPTIST  

Practical Application

1. Repent and turn to the Messiah, Jesus

2. Be Witnesses of Christ
• John 3:25-30
• Who are you following?

3. Speak with boldness & confidence (Not stupidity and arrogance)

• Matthew 3:7-10, 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Philippians 4:13