1. John The Baptist
Mark 1:1-15

2. Introduction Interesting Bible character Why look at John?
Job was to announce one greater
Some couldn’t handle that task
Why look at John?
Some of Jesus’ disciples were John’s
Jesus said he was a great man (Matthew 11:11)

3. John Loved Righteousness
Not content with status quo
Discontent over the sins of Israel
Bothered by hypocrisy
Lived apart from the elite (Luke 1:80)

4. John Loved Righteousness
Turned away from the priestly office
Turned people away from formalism
Too many trusted in the flesh (Matthew 3:7-9)
Preached repentance (Luke 3:2-17)
Told them to “practice what they preached” (Matthew 3:6)

5. John Loved Righteousness
Some like religion to be easy
Seemed easy for Mom and Dad
Hard to be faithful (Matthew 7:13, 14)
Hard things to do (John 2:13-17)

6. Humbly Fulfilled His Purpose
Popular among the common people
Went out to hear him and be baptized (Matthew 3:5)
Didn’t feel worthy to baptize Jesus (Matthew 3:13-15)
Compare with the televangelists today

7. Humbly Fulfilled His Purpose
Soon attracted attention
Sent messengers (John 1:19-21)
Asked if he was “the prophet” (John 1:25-27)
Pointed them to Jesus (John 1:29-36)
Lost two disciples to Jesus (John 1:37)
He would decrease (John 3:26-30)

8. Humbly Fulfilled His Purpose
Full of courage and dedication
The test is how one lives
Dedication is often not appreciated
Showed sincerity, courage, and resolve
He told Herod, “It is not lawful…” (Mark 6:18-28)
Great personal cost (Mark 6:19-28)

9. Conclusion Do we have John’s courage?
His works testified of his greatness