John the Baptist

Who is John the Baptist?

Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth

Born right before Jesus

Grew up in the wilderness

Solitude and isolation

- in the wilderness when God called him

Not of royal stature, despite his father being a Priest

Wore camel hair and ate locusts

What was his message?

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”

“reign of God”? - Matthew is written for a Jewish audience who would not pronounce the proper “name” of God

As Christians we submit to God’s authority in our lives, because God has complete authority in our lives

Urgent and simple

Baptism

Only done once, in contrast to the many ceremonial washing required typically

Baptism was for Jews who would confess their sins, and seek spiritual cleansing

No baptism of the Spirit at that time, just a promise of that in the future