-John the Baptist – Preparing the Way for the Lord

-“For 400 years the voice of the prophets had been silent and the expectations of a Messiah had faded

from the minds of the people and John was sent to rekindle the flame.  For centuries the law of Moses

had been taught and practiced with the teachers adding to it their traditions until it had become an

unbearable yoke around the neck of the people.  Like a refreshing wind, a cool spring, a cold drink of

water, John came to announce a new day.” – Don Deffenbaugh    

      -Luke 16:16

-More fulfillment of prophecy:

        -Luke 3:1-6, Matt 3:1-6, Mark 1:1-5

        -Isa 40:3-5

-John preaches to the people:

       -Matt 3:7-12, Mark 1:6-8, Luke 3:7-18, John 1:6-8, 15-18

       -John taught the people a message of repentance and instructed them to “bring forth fruits meet for

         repentance” (Matt 3:8).  The NASB says, “Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance”. 

         John baptized people for the remission of sins.  He denied that He was the Christ but revealed to the

         people that One mightier than him was yet to come – the Christ.  He also indicated the eternal

         existence of Jesus in John 1:15, “…for he was before me.”   John revealed that he baptized with

         water but that the Christ would baptize with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2 – apostles on the Day of

         Pentecost – see also Acts 10 and the household of Cornelius) and with fire (everlasting punishment

         for those who reject Him – context:  Matt 3:10 – “cast into the fire & vs 12 – “burn up the chaff with

         unquenchable fire”).