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Introducing John the Baptist Matthew 3:1-12
Introduction • The introduction of John the Baptist • Why? To fulfill the belief that Elijah would return (Malachi) • Religious leadership had to find out who he was
Some Biblical Points • John’s clothing • Eating locust? (small quail-like birds)
Vipers? • Peshitta says “scorpions” • Near East Eastern people believed the parents of baby scorpions are dead at its birth • Baby scorpions have no guidance • No prophets in Israel meant that the religious leadership had no guidance • They knew about a judgment day • They did not know how to prepare for it
Shoes/Sandals • When entering a house • “I am worthy to remove his sandals” is an expression signifying humility and humbling • John made it clear that he was not the Messiah
For us today • Baptism • By water (admission of sin and desire to change) • By fire (removal of sin) • By the Holy Spirit (living a righteous life)
Methodist doctrine of Grace • Prevenient • Justifying • Sanctifying