John (Yahweh is gracious) study:
FIRST MENTION
-Isaiah 40:3-5,
-John 1:23
-Matthew 3:1-3,
- this is when we first see John in his mission, he also quotes Isaiah 40:3-5
LIFE
-Luke 1:5
-"Elizabeth was also a decedent of Aaron"
-Aaron being the brother of Moses (Exodus 7:1)
-John prepared the path for Christ (John 1:23, Matthew 3:3)
-Aaron in a way prepared a path for Moses before he would lead
-John was from a line of "Prepare the path"
-Numbers 6:2-3 & Luke 1:15
-the Nazrite vow, also taken by Sampson
- a vow of physical purity and abstinence
-Luke 1:44
- John leaps for joy in the womb of Elizabeth when Mary draws near with Jesus in her womb
- this is the living out of vs. 15, when it is said John will be filled with the spirit even before berth
- even in the womb he is showing that Christ is the lamb of God
-Luke 1:76-79
- John's calling from God through the words of his father
-"To give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins"
- showing that the prophesy of Isaiah will come true
-Luke 3:2-6
- Johns ministry starts
- vs.3 he immediately after being called in vs. 2 goes into ministry with no hesitance
- he goes into a ministry of repentance and forgiveness
- repentance: "to change ones mind" or "to turn away"
- forgive: "to pardon"
-vs.4-6 are the prophesy from Isaiah
-vs.6: "And all people will see God's salvation"
-John prepares the path for this, he basically makes the glasses for the people to see clearly, and when they do they look up and see Christ
-Luke 3:15-16
-John is misinterpreted, and misunderstood
-vs.15:"The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah"
-John's response, vs.16: "I am not worthy"
-John is humble, noticing that he is being misunderstood, he turns the people back to the right message
-this shows spiritual maturity
-John 1:29-31
-John reveals the Christ to those around
-He has paved the path and now he send people down with the guide
-"Look the lamb of God..."
-vs.32-34, John tells that God has revealed the Christ to him, he is one of the first to have this revealed to him
-John 5:31-36
-Jesus tells that John was just the messenger
-"I know that his testimony about me is true"
-"You have sent John and he has testified truth"
-John 3:26-30
-John remains humble when he realises his ministry and mission is over and complete
-instead of feeling down and filled with jealousy, he is the opposite
-"the friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. that joy is mine, and is now complete"
-He realises that the focus must be on Christ now "He must be greater, I must be less"
Application:
-we should look at John's example, and realise that the focus should not be on us but on Christ
-this shows spiritual maturity
-Matthew 3:13-17
-John Baptists Christ, this is when John 1:32-34 comes into play, revealing to John that this is the Christ, the embodiment of the LORD
-Matthew 11:2-6 & 7,9,11
- John shows his humanity by questioning again to be sure, and sends word to ask if Jesus is the Christ
-vs.2
-When asked Christ responds calmly by saying yes
-vs.4-6
-Jesus then starts to preach about John, on how humble and understanding he is of the Spirit
-vs.7,9.&11
-Matthew 21:26
-John is seen as a prophet
-prophet: One who speaks for God
-John showed the people Christ
-Mark 6:17-18
-John calls Herod out on his adulterous marriage
-this shows a sense of morality
-also shows bravery, we see that he was imprisoned because of this
-He is later beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12)
-John lived a Humble life, filled with the spirit, even since birth (Luke 1:44), his entire life was dedicated to preparing the path of the Lord (Luke 3:2-6, 15-16, John 1:29-31). By far John is one of the most humble characters in the entire bible (John 3:26-31), he knows that he doesn't matter without Christ. And even at the very end John approaches his death with a humble spirit, seeking only God's moral standard for all. John was humble, happy for life, and unlike most saw that life was not about self, but about bringing God glory, John truly lived up to what his name meant "God is gracious" and he let all know it!
Lord may a spirit of John be awakened in all of us, may a servants heart completely for you awaken inside of us. A revival, a re-generation in our lives, for You be instilled. May we like John, approach everything seeking you first, an making us last, in his words "May you become greater, and us less" (paraphrased John 3:30).
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