The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness

1. The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness

2. The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness • Prophecies about John the Baptist • Life and Work of John the Baptist • Lessons to Learn from John the Baptist.

3. Examining the Prophecies • After destroying the nations of Judah and Israel, God comforted His people by telling them of a day in which He would send a Messiah. • Isaiah 40:1-5 tell us that someone was to come before the Messiah. • In fact, the Old Testament concludes with a prophecy about this man. (Malachi 3-4) • So the Jews should not have been looking for the Messiah, but for the Messenger, a man like unto Elijah.

4. John’s Life and Work.

5. John’s Life and Work. • The birth of John the Baptist. • Gabriel reveals to Zacharias what his son was going to do in his life. • His purpose would be to turn Israel’s hearts back to God and to prepare them for Christ.

6. John’s Life and Work. • The birth of John the Baptist. • Jesus’ thoughts of John the Baptist. • Matthew 11:7-15. • Matthew 17:10-13.

7. John’s Life and Work. • The birth of John the Baptist. • Jesus’ thoughts of John the Baptist. • The message of John the Baptist. • He preached that the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” • He preached about true repentance. • He preached about kindness and benevolence. • He preached a message of “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” • He preached about a judgment.

8. John’s Life and Work. • The birth of John the Baptist. • Jesus’ thoughts of John the Baptist. • The message of John the Baptist. • He preached of the One who would come after him. • He baptized Jesus to “fulfill all righteousness.” • He testified about who Jesus was. • He was very successful in his preaching.

9. John’s Life and Work. • The birth of John the Baptist. • Jesus’ thoughts of John the Baptist. • The message of John the Baptist. • The death of John the Baptist. • It all started when John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” • Herod had him imprisoned because Herodias was offended. • Herod made a rash promise to Herodias’ daughter, and she asked for John’s head on a platter.

10. Lessons to Learn from John • Devotion to his work. • John’s mission: Go into the wilderness, wear camel’s hair and a leather belt, eat locusts and wild honey, and preach. • How many of us would like to take up that offer?

11. Lessons to Learn from John • Devotion to his work. • Boldness in his preaching. • His message to the Pharisees and Sadducees: “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Mt. 3:7-8 • His message to King Herod: “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Mk. 6:18

12. Lessons to Learn from John • Devotion to his work. • Boldness in his preaching. • Example and Influence. • Multitudes flocked to hear John the Baptist. Why? • Curiosity? • Message? • Character?

13. Lessons to Learn from John • Devotion to his work. • Boldness in his preaching. • Example and Influence. • Multitudes flocked to hear John the Baptist. Why? • Consider his impact on King Herod. • “Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man.” Mk. 6:20 • After having to sentence him to death, “the king was exceedingly sorry.” Mk. 6:26

14. Lessons to Learn from John • Devotion to his work. • Boldness in his preaching. • Example and Influence. • Humility. • John the Baptist was a great man and given a great responsibility, yet he always kept things in perspective. • Mark 1:7, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap, I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.” • Mt. 3:14, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” • Turn and look at John 3.

15. Lessons to Learn from John • Devotion to his work. • Boldness in his preaching. • Example and Influence. • Humility.