John Reacts to Jesus' Ministry

Jn 4:1-2 (ESV)

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),

John the Baptist served as the forerunner for Christ. He was God's bulldozer making the path to God through Jesus clear. Narrow is the way.

Our Purpose

The chance to serve God is a privilege and an honor.

John recognized that he was not worthy to untie Jesus' shoes. He was humble. We are to serve God with humility.

Our Patience

In prison, John needed to be reminded and sought a fresh Word from God the Son.

God's Word will not return to Him void.

When we look at John we can learn many great lessons.

Our Practice

He was brave and told others about Jesus!

We are encouraged that we can tell others about Jesus and God will do the rest. Will everyone be happy? Of course not! John got arrested!

We must decrease and Jesus must increase!

John obeyed God. Filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.

John witnessed for God. He stood out by the way he preached, dressed, lived and most importantly obeyed.

John's diet.

He consumed the consumers: Locusts!

His words came to the ears of his disciples as sweet: Wild Honey

John was rewarded because he saw, heard and experienced God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and God the Son first hand at His baptism.

Later John provided no hint of jealousy when his disciples began following after Jesus.

When Jesus is lifted up he draws all to Himself.

John is a wonderful example of integrity and maturity. He shows us how to react when we see someone else being blessed. Like John, every believer's mission is to share God and do our part to expand His kingdom.

Israel had to wait hundreds of years for the prophet of John to emerge. We can not afford to make the people wait any longer. Tell others about Jesus and trust God to see you through it.

Mt. 11:3-4, Mt. 11:5-6

Don't be offended by Jesus.