John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Jesus' cousin. He was a humble man who submitted to the will of God. He wasn't concerned with popularity. All he wanted to do was prepare the way to Jesus Christ - the Messiah.
"This is the beginning of the GOOD NEWS about Jesus, the Son of God, as the prophet Isaiah wrote: "I will send my messenger ahead of You, who will prepare your way." Malachi 3:11 (NCV)
"This is the VOICE of the one who calls out in the DESERT. Prepare the way of the Lord. Make the road straight for you." Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)
Like Isaiah the prophet, John wore simple clothing and ate simple food. He was the forerunner of Christ, sent by God who promised to send His Son, the King of Kings.
Mark, the author of this Gospel was the brother of Barnabas, and like all the disciples he knew that Jesus loved him.
"Look, I am sending MY MESSENGER ahead of You. HE WILL PREPARE THE WAY, as the voice shouting in the wilderness, "PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD'S COMING. Clear the road for Him." Mark 1:2&3 (NLT)
REPENTANCE
"John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of REPENTANCE for the REMISSION OF SINS." Mark 1:4 (NKJV)
"TRUE REPENTANCE occurs when we realize our sinful nature and a need for a SAVIOUR. Repentance should change the way we live. It is not just a CHOICE TO WALK AWAY FROM SIN, but to TURN TO GOD. We must give Him the Lordship of our lives. The moent you do this, God delivers you from the realms of darkness, and transfers you to the light and glory of His Kingdom" John Bevere
John's baptism of REPENTANCE was the calling of God's people (the Jews) - changing their minds and turning away from sin, towards God. REPENTANCE gives us freedom and forgiveness, and we can start over with Jesus, as our Saviour.
"The time promised has come at last!" he announced, "THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR! Repentance of your sinsand believe the GOOD NEW" Mark 1:15 (NLT)
"And all people will see GOD'S SALVATION." Luke 3:6 (NIV)
John the Baptist explained what it meant to "PRODUCE FRUIT WITH REPENTANCE." He wanted people to show KINDNESS, GENEROSITY AND HONESTY in their daily lives. Repentance should lead to GOOd FRUIT.
"Anyone who has TWO SHIRTS should share them with those who have none...... John tells the Tax Collectors: "Don't collect any more than you are required to......John tells the soldiers, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely and be content with your pay". Luke 3:11, 13 & 14b (MSG)
John the Baptist was not just a preacher of "social righteousness", but his ministry was on behalf of Jesus Christ - the Messiah.
Peter's words on the day of PENTECOST, was instructing us to "REPENT OF OUR SINS AND TURN TO GOD." In John the Baptist's ministry, Peter's and Paul's and of course Jesus' teaching, we are encouraged to REPENT, and to embrace SALVATION.
"For godly sorrow PRODUCES REPENTANCE leading to SALVATION, and leaves no regret, but wordly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
"Or do you despise the riches of HIS GOODNESS, FORBEARANCE AND LONG SUFFERING (kind, tolerant and patience) not knowing that the GOODNESS OF GOD leads you to REPENTANCE." Romans 2:4 (NKJV/NLT)
"The Holy Bible - New King James Version", 1982, Thomas Nelson
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language", 1993, Eugene.H.Peterson, NavPress, Tyndale House Publishers
"John the Baptist's Song for Kids", 2025, Now or Maybe Never, You Tube Kids
"Create in Me a Clean Heart - A Song of Repentance", 2025, , Ryan Camick (Composer/Performer), Worthy of Praise/You Tube
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