The Week Thus far:

Flavius Josephus “Jewish Antiquities” : "Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. …..Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death.....”

Psalm 85:7-13 “Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.” Isaiah 40:1-11 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.” Malachi 3:1 “I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me.” Malachi 4:5,6 “I will send you Elijah the prophet”

Luke 2:25 “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Matthew 23:24-26 "Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”

All four Gospels address his role Jews were expecting Elijah (Malachi 4:5) Disciples unsure about John Later understood Elijah had come through John in a spiritual or allegorical sense. Luke 1:17

John’s infancy Son of Zechariah & Elizabeth Birth foretold by Gabriel A Descendant of Aaron on father and mother’s side He is to be a great prophet & go before the Lord “like Elijah.” Zechariah lost speech as a result of unbelief – restored on naming John

Luke 1:5-25 John’s Birth Luke 1:57-80 John’s Early Life Luke 1:80 “was in the wilderness”

Mid-Life Ministry- Mark 1:1-14 In the area of Jordan – Luke 3:1-4 Baptizing Jesus – Mark 1:9 Matthew 3:13-17 “to fulfill all righteousness”

Both for the remission of sins John’s Baptism was for sins UNDER the Law of Moses Christ’s Baptism led to salvation from sins NOT under the Law of Moses

All 4 Gospels relate John’s preaching & baptism in the River Jordan. Recognizes Jesus as the Messiah & baptizes Him. Calls Jesus the Lamb of God John 1:19-40

John 3:22-36 John’s End of Life- John 4:1,2 John thrown into prison 2 Timothy 4:9-21 Matthew 11:3 “Are YOU the coming One?” John 1:34

Matthew 11:4-6 Isaiah 35:5,6; 61:1,2a How do I respond when God does not seem to live up to MY expectations? Luke 1:70-73 John 5:31-36 The Effect of John’s preaching continued until they were taught a more perfect way

Acts 18:24 – 19:6 John 1:35-42 Acts 10:37; 11:16; 13:24 Christ’s evaluation of John’s life- Matthew 11:11 John’s motto: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30)

Acts 13:22-25 “comes One after me” Luke 1:57-80 Am I single-mindedly devoted to Christ, putting Him first in every aspect of my life, presenting Him before the lost world, so be life or death I can win some?

Am I giving God all the glory for the successes He brings my way & continuing to be faithful to Him in spite of seeming failures?

Is my life different from the people of the world so that I can lead people to Christ? Is my life cluttered with things of this world so much that all my time & energy & resources are spent taking care of them? 2 Timothy 2:3,4 not entangled in affairs of every day life

Hear – Romans 10:17 Believe – Mark 16:16 Repent – Acts 3:19 Confess – Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized – Acts 2:38 Continue daily to live righteously with God – Hebrews 10:22,23

Acts 8:22 “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”