What About John the Baptist | A Steadfast Life

About John the Baptist (Mark 1:5-17)
- Parents Zacharias and Elizabeth
  - Faithful to the Lord
  - No child late in years of life
- V.10: Hour of incense was 9 am and 3 pm daily
- V.13: Your prayer has been heard – they have been praying for a child or a priest was praying for the redemption of Israel.
- John means the Lord is gracious
- V.15: John the Baptist would be filled with the Holy Spirit; this is how he fulfilled his ministry as the forerunner of Jesus.
The Voice in the Wilderness – John 1:19-28
- Day 1 of Jesus Ministry
- The Jews sent priests and Levites to question John the Baptist on who he was.
- They asked if he was Elijah, the Christ, or the Prophet. Answer = no to all.
- John the Baptist is the voice crying in the wilderness
  - Isaiah 40:3-8
    - V.3= John the Baptist OT prophecy.
- Matthew 3:11- Baptize with Holy Spirit fire!
John 1:29-34
- Second Day of Jesus Ministry
- V. 29: Jesus is the Lamb of God, He is worthy!
  - Exodus 12:3-Passover lamb.
Challenge
- John the Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus Christ
- He was getting people ready to accept Jesus and to tell them about Him.
- He was filled with the Holy Spirit; this is how he was able to fulfill his ministry.
- Ephesians 3:16-19: Paul said we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- We need the Holy Spirit to be able to minister to others.
- We are all called to witness to others, we need the Holy Spirit to do this.