John the Baptist

Matthew 11:7-15

Introduction

1.      John is the “original” wild-eyed religious fanatic

2.      His clothing; his food – Matt 3:4

3.      In the pattern of Elijah – Matt 11:14  

Discussion

1.      John’s birth

a.       Zachariah in the temple – Luke 1:5-25  

b.      The prediction of Malachi – Mal 3:5-6  

c.       The prediction of Isaiah – Is 40:3-5  

2.      John’s mission

a.       Prepared people to accept Jesus – John 3:25-30  

b.      Prepared through repentance – Matt 3:2  

c.       Prepared through “works of repentance” – Luke 3:7-9  

3.      John’s baptism

a.       The Old Testament had sprinkling – the red heifer ceremony, see Num 19:19, for example  

b.      The Old Testament had washing – the laver for the priests, see Ex 40:12  

c.       The Old Testament had no baptism (unless one considers the dipping of Naaman in the Jordan River for the cure of his leprosy)  

d.      John’s baptism had the promise of forgiveness – Mark 1:4  

e.       John’s baptism prepared people to accept Jesus – Acts 19:4  

Conclusion

1.       The story of the Bible, from Creation and its perfection, through sin, a plan from eternity to reconcile people to God

2.      The nation of Israel, the prophets, Jesus, the apostles to us

3.      Baptism is still important as the act in which we turn from sin and accept Jesus – Heb 5:8-9

4.      Baptism is still immersion in water and it is still for the forgiveness of sins – Acts 10:47 and 2:38