John the Baptizer Prepares the Way

Journey Through The Bible: John the Baptizer prepares the way

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:3-5 "A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." #769

Introduction: Last time we looked at the Incarnate Word. John 1:1-18 #1137 Today we see John the Baptizer preparing the way. Matt. 3 #1037, Mark 1:1-11 #1073, Luke 3 #1101, John 1:19-34 #1138 Next week we will look at Jesus' baptism and temptation. Matt. 3:13-4:11 #1037, Mark 1:9-13 #1073, Luke 4:1-13

As we look at John, we see a man set apart for the Lord with a mighty message of repentance. John is cutting people to the heart and baptizing them in the Jordan for forgiveness of sins. This is a precursor to the baptism we enjoy in the name of Jesus.

Proposition: We are called to make straight the path of the Lord Jesus.

T.S.: We are to point others to the good news of Jesus Christ.

I. We are to go into the world and proclaim the good news.

-Matthew 3:1-6 #1037, Mark 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-6 #1101, John 1:19-28 #1137

-John came preaching in the wilderness of Judah. V. 1 (Matthew 28:18-29 #1072)

-The kingdom of God is at hand. V. 2-3 (2 Timothy 4:1-8 #1275)

- We often do not appear as the world expects. V. 4 (2 Corinthians 11:21-31 #1242)

II. We are to share and stand for truth.

-Luke 3:7-20 #1101

-Sometimes the truth of sin stings. V. 7-9

-What are we to do? V. 10-14

-Share with others, do what is right, be content.

-There is a winnowing fork. V. 15-17 (Revelation 20:11-15 #1327)

-Standing for truth has consequences. V. 18-20

III. We are to exalt Christ in our life and with our words.

-John 3:22-36 #1140

-Christ must increase, we must decrease. V. 27-30

-If we believe we will have eternal life. V. 31-36

Let us make straight the path of the Lord into our own life, and the lives of those around us!