“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Objectives

There is a close relationship between the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus.

See how others respond towards John’s ministry.

John witnesses about Jesus by recounting God’s revelation to him.

John is not afraid to stand strong for his convictions about who Jesus is and who he is.

Lesson Commentary

015 - JESUS IS INTRODUCED TO THE JEWS

How to be Truly Humble!

It really helps when you have others who will speak for you when you are trying to start something new. Most great leaders started out as insignificant people until someone spoke out as a testimony in their behalf and encouraged others to follow.(John the Baptist is an exception at first.)

Has someone else ever recommended a salesman or service person or business to you? Did that help you to have confidence in that person or business?

How would you like to announce, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States”, or introduce a king or queen or the leader from your country of heritage? Would you feel a sense of pride and identity?

Don’t Seek Attention for Yourself! – John 1:19-21

What is someone questions who you are as if you might be a dignitary or celebrity? Have you ever been actually mistaken for someone who is much more famous? In John 1:19-34, John the Baptist gets the honor of introducing Jesus Christ!

John is challenged by the priests and Levites to prove who he is. They consider it a part of their duty to be a watchdog of the faith and they want to know if he is claiming to be the Messiah or not. That is a reasonable responsibility, however, they are not open to truth, but are trying to protect their long held traditions. Where do you find the balance between protecting vital Bible doctrines and being over zealous on matters that don’t matter in eternity?

Speak the Truth! – John 1:22-23

Out of this inquiry, John takes the opportunity to clarify who he is not and who he is. When someone comes along doing something different, do you tend to shy away and avoid them or go and investigate to see if you approve? – ATM machines!

They ask John why he is immersing Jews who come to him.(They don’t question the rite of immersion, only the reason.)Immersion isn’t new!

John knows what God has called him to do and clarifies who he is not! He is not the Messiah (Christ) –anointed one. In his humility, he does not consider himself as Elijah that is prophesied in Malachi 4:5, though Jesus will later claim that he was!

We often get caught up in our egos and are worried about being recognized for certain accomplishments. Could we be like John and merely do the work and let God do the recognizing?

Build Others Up! – John 1:24-28

John clarifies who he is – a voice calling in the desert (Isaiah 40:3). When people ask who you are, what do you tell them?

The Pharisees ask why he baptizes (immerses).John plays down his role and promotes Jesus’ place! Has your ego ever gotten in front of your humility?

John is near Bethany (Bethabara near Jericho).

Acknowledge and Respect Your Superiors! – John 1:29-34

The next day Jesus is approaching. John declares Him to be the “Lamb of God” – a reference to His redemptive purpose – to protect us from the death angel. Only used by John the Baptist in v. 29 and v. 36 to describe Jesus. Also used in Revelation.

Jesus is the one who John said is so great that John is not worthy to untie His sandals. How would you feel about introducing Jesus?

John is six months older, but yet Jesus existed before John and will exist after.

Though John knows Jesus (cousins), he does not yet know all that you and I know about Jesus. John only knows that he is to introduce Jesus to everyone that he can get to listen to him. Have you ever been a vehicle to introduce a news story to the reporters?

John declares how Jesus as Messiah was confirmed to him. John clarifies the purpose of his immersion – to prepare people for the immersion of the Holy Spirit that Jesus will give them!

“Jesus is the Son of God” – Messiah, Christ, anointed one, Savior, Lord, etc.

CONCLUSION

I am not “God’s gift to the Church”! I am only a voice trying to tell more people about who Jesus is and how we can become more like Him. God only knows how much more we need to become like Jesus! That is something that I am not “qualified” to do, but I believe that it is something that I have been “called” to do! I pray that these lessons help you grow closer to Jesus and bring enrichment to your life

Next Week, Jesus is going fishing. Will He catch anything?