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THE POSITION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Luke 3:15-20

Psalm 105:1-4

 

“I am the way…”

 

THE POSITION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
 
As John’s popularity grew, people began to wonder if he could be the promised Messiah. But he always answered very clearly that he was not that promised One (Luke 3:15-16).
 
John the Baptist’s ministry was to announce the coming of the Messiah. When Jesus met him, John made a clear declaration that Jesus was the Christ, the Saviour of the world and the promised sacrifice for sin (John 1:29, 35-36).
 
John’s baptism was a sign of repentance. And so we are surprised to find that the sinless Christ asked John to baptise Him. Nowhere in the Scripture is there a direct statement to explain this (Matt 3:13-17). John himself did not feel that he should baptise the Lord. But Jesus said His baptism was to fulfil all righteousness (Matt 3:15). So in this Jesus was obedient to the plan of salvation, possibly by being identified with sinners (Isa 53:12). At this time the Spirit descended on Christ, and God the Father announced that this was His Son, the promised Messiah and Saviour (Matt 3:16-17). With His baptism Christ’s ministry began and John the Baptist’s ended.
 
Sometime after the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, John’s faithful preaching cost him his life. The account is told only in retrospect, but the details are clear. Herod had John beheaded against his will, being tricked by the wicked Herodias. She was his brother Philip’s wife and John had rebuked the king for his immoral relationship with her.
 
John’s life ended as he had lived it: faithfully preaching against sin and for righteousness. Many of us may not be bold preachers like John, but by our lives we can live the truth he died preaching. May God give us grace to be faithful.
 
THOUGHT: What was John’s ministry?

PRAYER: Father, may I be found faithful to Thy assigned tasks.

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