John the Baptist Appears

December 18, 2022 Background Scripture: Luke 3:1 - 20; John 1 Lesson Passage: Luke 3:2b - 6, 15 - 18 Our lessons have progressed quickly from the announcement of John' s conception to his birth and circumcision; and now today's lesson introduces his public ministry. That span of time covers about thirty years. That's three decades for us, but it is insignificant to an eternal God. God speaks of tomorrow with the same assurance as when He speaks of yesterday or today. Just as God foretold John's conception in his mother's womb, He also spoke of the details involved in John's public ministry as an adult. It was prophesied by the angel that John would go in the spirit and power of Elijah. John made it clear to the Jews who came and asked about his identity that he was not Elijah. But John's ministry mirrored much of Elijah's ministry. Elijah's ministry seems to have started rather abruptly. Likewise, John quickly appeared on the scene preaching the baptism of repentance. The region around the Jordan River was John's pulpit, and the Jordan River was his baptistry. He was bold just as Elijah was bold. He preached the word of God with conviction. Elijah also spoke the prophetic word of God with conviction, John challenged his listeners to demonstrate true repentance and to be baptized for the remission of their sins. Elijah challenged his listeners to choose between serving the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob or Baal. Many were convicted by the preaching and the miracles wrought by God through Elijah. Many were also convicted by John's preaching and asked for instructions on how to show true repentance. John demonstrated the wisdom of God by giving them practical ways to live a life of repentance. He told them to share their excess clothing and food with those who needed the same. Tax collectors were warned not to overcharge people for their own benefit. Likewise, soldiers were warned not to intimidate, bully, or falsely accuse anyone. John was preparing Israel for the coming of the Messiah, or the Anointed One of God. Some were confused and thought that John was the one God had sent to deliver them. John quickly corrected them and assured them that he was not on the same level as the Messiah God was sending to Israel. And just like Elijah, John spoke truth to power. Elijah confronted King Ahab because he had led Israel into apostacy and Baal worship. John rebuked Herod the tetrarch for having his brother's wife. John also pointed out many other evil acts Herod had performed. As an aged deacon once remarked: John was put in prison for meddling! John's imprisonment was yet another evil act of Herod. John's ministry was public, profound, and provocative. The hearers of John the Baptist's sermons were moved to act either positively towards God or further away from Him. People were not able to hear the message without responding to it. After Elijah appeared on the scene, nothing was the same in Israel due to his ministry. After John appeared on the scene, he paved the way for the coming of the Son of God. Nothing has been the same since John's ministry. In essence, John's ministry was a wakeup call to Israel. It was necessary for the Son of God to go to His own first. Israel's rejection of the Messiah opened the door for the rest of the world to receive Him. Israel has not and will not be rejected by God. Israel shall be saved. But people of all nations have benefited because one day John the Baptist appeared. Robert C. Hudson November 21, 2022