Continuing the chronological series of studies of the prophets.
In the wilderness of Judea, a bold voice thundered, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah. This was John the Baptist, an important figure in Christian history whose life and ministry represents the transitional figure between the Old and New Testament. John’s whole-hearted pursuit of God and the purposes of God affords modern believers many lessons to learn from.
John’s story begins with a miraculous birth foreshadowed by the angel Gabriel to his father, Zechariah; a priest, and his mother Elizabeth, who was barren and well beyond her childbearing years (Luke 1:5-25). His birth attested to God’s power and God’s promise of a forerunner who would prepare the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). John was filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb, set apart from others, and appointed to prepare people for the coming of Jesus Christ.
John was characterized by radical obedience to God. He wore camel’s hair, lived on locusts and wild honey, and lived off the land in the desert (Matthew 3:4). He did not live a life of luxury, but rather a humble and simple existence. His appearance and minimalist approach to life were contradicting the religious leaders of the day; true obedience to God comes from humility and submission, not pomp and circumstance.
John’s ministry revolved around one main point: “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). He was not shy to call people out for their sin, and he baptized them in the Jordan River for the repentance of their sins so that they would prepare their hearts for the coming Messiah. He did not sugar coat his message, as he called religious leaders the “brood of vipers” (Matthew 3:7), and was not backed by popular opinion. John’s message was one of confrontation, because he cared for people and wanted them to be reconciled to God.
John’s baptism signified a symbolic cleansing of dirt and renewal. He was encouraging people to live in a way that prepared them for the coming Lord. He was ever pointing beyond himself and continued to declare, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But he who is coming after me is mightier than I… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). John understood he was not going to be the star of the show. Moreover, he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John understood that his relationship with God was of a supernatural consequence, and that he was simply a part in God’s plan.
John’s ministry reached its moment when he saw Jesus coming toward him at the Jordan. He announced, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). And with that declaration of Jesus, he completed his purpose, unequivocally announcing who the Messiah would be. John baptized Jesus, establishing his public ministry and involvement with John, while the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and God spoke, saying, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17).
John showed us the importance of pointing other people to Jesus. He WAS NOT the Messiah, and his aim was not to get people to follow him. His only goal was directing everyone to the one who could redeem and save them. For the Christian, we must reflect on John and ask ourselves if WE are living in such a way that draws attention to Christ and detracts attention from ourselves. John’s life embodies commitment to truth despite consequence. His fearless rebuke of the unholy union of King Herod and Herodias landed him in prison (Matthew 14:3-4). Even in chains, John’s faith only momentarily doubted, when he sent some disciples to ask Jesus if indeed he was the Messiah (Matthew 11:2-6). Jesus sent back reply that affirmed John’s goal was true, as he in fact was “more than a prophet” and the greatest of all born of woman (Matthew 11:9-11).
John’s life ended in martyrdom, when Herodias’ daughter requested his head on a platter (Matthew 14:6-11). His death was not defeat but faithfulness. John is a reminder to all us that following God’s call on our lives may cost us everything, but keeps us aligned our with purposes of eternal significance.
John the Baptist was the voice crying in the wilderness. He was the light pointing to the true Light of the World. John’s life encourages us to look at our own hearts. Are we preparing the way for Christ in our lives and the lives of our communities? Are we willing to decrease so that He may increase? As you contemplate John’s life may that inspire you to live boldly, humbly, faithfully, and ultimately for the glory of God.