The Life of Christ Lesson 3

1. The Life of ChristLesson 3 The Ministry of John the Baptist The baptism of Jesus by john Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness John the Baptist’S Testimony of Jesus

2. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • Description of John – • Remember who his parents are. • “The Baptist” – literally the one baptizing; not a title, sect or denomination. • Clothing and diet described – garment of camel’s hair and leather belt – diet of locust and wild honey – why mentioned? Used to describe Elijah. 2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4 • What image does this create in your mind? Of a “polished” and professional preacher-someone who “looked the part”? Or of someone who didn’t “look the part” – perhaps considered odd or eccentric? • Some said of John that he had a demon. Matthew 11:18 • “John's lifestyle reflected the seriousness and sternness of his message” (Erdman)

3. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • Description of John – • Would we receive John’s preaching today? • One who “Dressed and ate like an eccentric hermit” (Copeland) Matthew 11:7-8; Luke 7:25 • Do we judge based on appearance or heart? James 2:1-4; John 7:24; 1 Samuel 16:7 • One who strongly rebuked his audience. 2 Timothy 4:1-3 • One who didn’t make it convenient for me to attend? Matthew 12:42; Acts 8:27

4. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • His purpose – • Fulfill prophecy. Mark 1:2; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6 (Matthew 17:10-13; Matthew 11:10) • He was “crying in the wilderness” – “to break forth and shout”; “speak with a high, strong voice” – a sense of urgency and boldness. • Prepare (“make ready”) the way of the Lord and make His paths straight. Isaiah 40:3 (John 1:23) • What was needed to be made ready for “the way of the Lord”? • Answer: Hearts and minds - Luke 1:16-17 • Do preparations need to be made today?

5. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • His work and message – • Preparation and warning: • Repent – • for four hundred years, the authority of man had reigned. • Announce the nearness of the kingdom: Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:3) • Warning – challenged some (Pharisees and Sadducees) as to why they came. Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7 • Called “brood (offspring) of vipers” – referring to the deadly poison (that would spread like leaven; Matthew 16:11) of their teaching and leadership. (Matthew 12:34; 23:33) • Who warned you to flee? Possible answers? • God or man! • Foretell of the work of Jesus Christ – • Jesus’ baptism – with the Holy Spirit. • Jesus’ judgement and separation – Matthew 3:12; John 12:48; Luke 2:34; Mark 10:34-39

6. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • His work and message – Warnings: • Bring forth fruit. Matthew 3:8 (Luke 6:43-45; 8:15) • God expects us to produce. Romans 11:11ff; John 15:1-6; Luke 8:14-15; Colossians 1:6-10; Isaiah 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14ff • Bearing fruit – make a difference, have an impact. Matthew 5:13-16 • Solution: make the tree good to make the fruit good. Matthew 12:33

7. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • His work and message – Warnings: • Impending judgement • The axe is at the foot of the trees. Matthew 3:10; Luke 3:9 – Luke 13:6-9 • The winnowing fork is in His hand. Matthew 3:12 • It’s in our hands! John 5:24 • Remember: the “rise and fall of many.” • Heritage is not enough. Matthew 3:9

8. The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20 • His work and message – repentance/bear fruit: • “Then what shall we do?” John was ready to tell them what they needed to do. • Luke 3:10-14 – the practical application of repentance. • Everything begins with: “Start …” or “Stop …”. Which is easier/harder? • Share what you’ve been blessed with … Don’t be greedy and don’t cheat … Don’t steal … Tell the truth … Be content