Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
Read Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
ADULT STS LESSON NINE – THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
MEMORY VERSE: “For this is he that was spoken of thy prophet Esaias, saying, The
voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight” (Matt 3:3)
TEXTS: Matt 3:1-17; Luke 3:1-22
Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022
The opening phrase of Chapter three of the gospel of Matthew is worthy of note:“In those
days came John the Baptist…”The period preceding the coming of John the Baptist
constitutes the time called the silent years in Jewish history. After Malachi, there was no
prophet prophecy for about four hundred years till John the Baptist came. His ministry
had long been predicted before its manifestation (Isa 40:3; Lk 3:4).
His message was fiery,
focused and effective and many people flocked to him in response to his message. John
appeared with a stunning message of repentance to all the people to prepare the way of
the Lord and make His path straight. Though his ministry could be described as short, it
was fulfilled.
1. PROFILE OF THE MAN, JOHN THE BAPTIST
Matt 3:1-4; 11:11,12; Luke 3:1,2;7:28,33; Mal 4:5
John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, born to them in their old age.
The couple had been serving the Lord diligently in holiness and righteousness until the
prophecy of the conception and birth of their son came. It seemed an impossible event to
Zechariah until the Lord gave him a sign of dumbness to affirm the impending miracle (Lk
1:5-20). Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
John’s birth was a confirmation of the prophecy of Isaiah that the Lord was going
to send a prophet before the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. John was“The voice of him
that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the
desert a highway for our God”(Isa 40:3). His birth was a testimonial to the power of God
to do the seemingly impossible, Who would have thought that Zechariah who was,
according to the same writers about ninety nine years old and his wife about eighty nine
would still have a child?
But God who delights in performing the extra – ordinary and the incredible, proved that He could not be limited at any circumstance. Thus, to prove that John the Baptist was a special messenger sent to deliver a special message to a special nation, he was born to parents who were both “stricken in years”.There are many qualities in this prophet’s life and ministry worthy of emulation.
i. First, he was a fugal, conservative and disciplined preacher who exercised caution in
his lifestyle. He was not flamboyant, ostentatious or pretentious but different from
other preachers and religionists of his days.“And the same John had his raiment
of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locust
and wild honey” (Matt 3:4). This is a challenge to all believers and preachers whose
lifestyle are anything but moderate.
ii. Secondly, John the Baptist was a humble and self-effacing man who understood the
limit of his ministry. When the people came to enquire about the prospect of Jesus’
ministry, he said, “One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am
not worthy to unloose… He must increase, but I must decrease…” (Luke 3:16;
John 3:30). He would not contend for recognition and approval with the Lord Jesus
Christ.
iii. Thirdly, he understood and accepted what he was sent to do and committed himself
to fulfilling it. He uplifted Christ and pointed even his own disciples to Him. He said,
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
iv. He remained where the Lord wanted him (in the wilderness) until his revelation to the
multitudes in Judaea and beyond Jordan.
v. John the Baptist was focused. He fulfilled his ministry according to the purpose of
God for his life until he was martyred (Matt 17:12,13; Mark 9:13).
Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
2. PURPOSE OF THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Matt 3:1-3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:2; Isaiah 40:3-5; Mal 3:1; John 1:6-8,23,29
The purpose of John’s ministry was predetermined before he was born. Besides, the
angel’s announcement of John’s mother’s miraculous conception, it was revealed that he
would be the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ.
i. It was to prepare the way for Christ’s mission and ministry. “The voice of him that
crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the
desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3).
The nation of Israel had been without a revelation of the true God for about four hundred years after Prophet Malachi and the people must have lost hope of the coming of the promised Messiah. To renew their expectation, the Lord sent a messenger of good tidings.
Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
ii. Two, John’s mission was to prepare their hearts to receive Christ as the expected
Messiah.
iii. Three, he was to point and commend Him to the nation. “The next day John seeth
Jesus coming to him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away
the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
iv. His mission was to rebuke evildoer and point them to the path of the law.
v. To warn the people of God’s impending judgement and call them to repentance. “And
now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which
bringeth not forth good fruit in hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Luke 3:9).
John was a distinct and an articulate voice in a nation that had long been without a
prophet. “And he came into all the country about Jordon, preaching the
baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3). His ministry had
daring characteristics that any preacher who wants to be fulfilled should possess. He
presented his message in a clear and distinct way that left his hearers stunned and
convicted. Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
He was a thorough and an unsparing preacher who did not mince words,
as he directed relevant messages to all categories of sinners – tax – collectors, soldiers,
lawyers, etc. The scope of his ministry was all the country of Judea and region around
about Jordan. In our evangelism outreaches, we must cover all lands from our
immediate locality to faraway lands.
Of note was John’s courageous and fearless preaching, whether to Herod or to the publicans. He did not allow the status of his hearers to affect the content of his message. He preached with conviction and passion and challenged fruitless professors of religion to bear fruits of genuine he balanced up his message with compassion by advocating works of mercy for the needy: “He
that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none, and he that hath
meat, let him likewise” (Luke 3:11).
It was not a surprise therefore that his message was effective and evoked positive response as different categories of hearers thronged him to ask what they needed to do to escape the wrath of God(Lk 3:10-14).
Repentance was the centre of John’s message. He called the people to conversion
brings a change of life and character. It is not enough to profess repentance but to
produce the fruits thereof. In like manner, repentance should be central in our gospel
outreaches, for therein lies the hope of getting to heaven. Christ did not send us to
amuse our listeners but to preach repentance and remission of sins in his name (Luke
24:47; Acts 20:20,21).
We should not flatter the great nor compliment the rich. We should be like courageous preachers who put their lives on the line to remain faithful to their calling and be willing to pay any price to do the will of God.
Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
3. THE PROMISE OF POWER THROUGH JOHN THE BAPTIST
Luke 3:16,21,22; Matt 3:16,17; Acts 1:8,4:33
From the preaching of John the Baptist came the first mention of the baptism of the Holy
Ghost in the New Testament. “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am
not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire” (Lk
3:16).
This enduement with the power of the Holy Spirit would later come from the lips of
our Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 7:37-46; 14:25,26; 15:26; 16:12-15). At Christ’s
own water baptism by John, the “…heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him” (Matt 3:16).
This emphasises the need for the Baptist and anointing of the Holy Spirit for every believer to
be effective in ministry. No preacher can go very far in ministry without the power Holy
Ghost. Christ challenged the disciples to wait until they were endued with the power of
the Holy Ghost. “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and
in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The descent of the Spirit of God like a dove upon Christ and the voice of God the Father who publicly decleared: “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:16,17),
confirms the truth of the deity of Christ and the Trinity of the Godhead (Matt 28:19: 2 Cor
13:14; 1 John 5:7).
John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of the Lord Jesus. Christ will soon come
again as he promised (John 14:3). Believers should prepare His way by reaching out to
dying sinners. Restoring backsliders, edifying the saints and multiplying disciples.
Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
1. What challenge does John the Baptist’s life pose to Ministers and Believers?
2. Why was John sent ahead of the Lord Jesus Christ?
3. What can we learn from John’s approach to fulfilling God’s purpose for his life?
4. Mention the characteristics of John’s message that contemporary preachers should
emulate.
- Considering the way John left no stone unturned in preparing the way of the Lord,
how should believers prepare for the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ? - How can a believer be a burning and shining light like John?
- What other virtues can we emulate in John?
Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 27 February 2022 | Lesson 9
