Scripture
By Prophetess Lecha Price
Related Scriptures: Isaiah 40:1-8; Matthew 3:1-12; 17:9-13; Luke 1:76-79; Malachi 3:1-5
In today’s lesson Jesus commends and confirms John the Baptist’s ministry by declaring that there had not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist born among women. The supportive scriptures outlined in our study tell of the prophecies and life of John the Baptist foretold 400 years prior to his birth. For example, Isaiah 40:1-8 states he was the voice who cried his message in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight a highway for our God in the desert.
Matthew introduces him as the man that Prophet Isaiah said would prepare the way of the Lord. He was clothed in camel’s hair and a leather belt girded about his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. Jesus’ proclamation to His disciples was that “Indeed, John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah to restore all things.” John the Baptist spent his life preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry.
The ordained messenger understood his earthly divine ministry from birth. He had a clear picture of his assignment as the forerunner of the Messiah and never lost sight of it. The prophecies spoken about him were fulfilled. When the ministry of Christ Jesus began, John announced, “I must decrease that He may increase”. May it be said that we have a clear understanding of our Kingdom assignment and endeavor to obey it to the end.
Synopsis
By Sister Pamela Jones
John the Baptist had been doing what he was sent there to do, proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. But, when Jesus started his ministry, he initially does not live up to John the Baptist’s expectations. John the Baptist and others were looking for someone who would come and provide a political deliverance for Israel. One thing that struck John was that he was disheartened of being allowed to remain in prison, after boldly speaking out against the marriage between Herod Antipas and his brother’s wife. John The Baptist sent messengers to Jesus to inquire of whether he is The One who they were waiting on to come.
Jesus knew that John the Baptist would remember the prophecies which were spoken of him (Jesus) Isaiah 29, 35, and 61, where they refer to Jesus coming to perform many miracles. Jesus also wanted John the Baptist to think on the phrase recorded in Matthew 11:6, which reads “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” In regards to that scripture, the author of this lesson writes “John was not to allow his discouragement to trip him up, to pull him away from faith in Jesus. Jesus was offering a bracing exhortation to persevere, to keep the faith.”
In Matthew 11:9-10, John the Baptist’s role in declaring the coming of Jesus designated him as “more than a prophet,” and states “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Jesus is The One whom John the Baptist spoke of so passionately. The Bridegroom was on his way, and John the Baptist is the one who was ushering in His presence to the people. He was preparing their hearts to accept Jesus, The One who would perform many miracles that were foretold in the book of Isaiah.
Practical Application
By Sister Brittenne Boykin
Today’s text takes us to one of my favorite exchanges in the bible. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus has been thrown in jail for preaching against King Herod’s questionable marriage practices. Jesus has been preaching and teaching and the word was spreading. John who proclaimed that Christ was indeed the Messiah finds himself in a dire and dark situation. He was in prison, worn and pondering what was to come.
John found himself as many of us have, just wanting to know if Jesus was who he said he was in our life. We wonder, “Jesus are you a healer, way maker, burden bearer? Please just tell me! Is it really you?”
I have thought long and hard about Christ’s response. In an hour where John just wanted confirmation, Christ tells John’s disciples to go and tell him what they had seen. (Matt 11:5) The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear among other things. He says to John without saying it directly that the miracles that he did bore witness of him. Christ went on to confirm the seal of approval that was on John’s ministry. (Matt 11:11) Let us remember in our dark times in which Christ has led us, that his ways are true and his care for us is certain even in uncertain times.
