John the Baptist

John the Baptist

John 1:1-5 [NEB] When all things began, the Word already was. The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was. The Word, then, was with God at the beginning, and through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him. All that came to be was alive with his life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines on in the dark, and the darkness has never mastered it.

There appeared a man named John, sent from, God; he came as a witness to testify to the light, that all might become believers through him. He was not himself the light; he came to bear witness to the light. The real light which enlightens every man was even then coming into the world.

He was in the world; but the world, though it owed its being to him, did not recognize him. He entered his own realm, and his own would not receive him. But to all who did receive him, to those who have yielded him their allegiance, he gave the right to become children of God, not born of any human stock, or by the fleshly desire of a human father, but the offspring of God himself. So the Word became flesh; he came to dwell among us, and we saw his glory, such glory as befits the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

Is there a better explanation of the basis of science, philosophy, religion, reality? And is there a better explanation of what Jesus is? John, the Apostle, brings us that definition. John, the Baptist, is the opening act for Jesus, the Word, and introduces the Lamb of God to the Jews.

WHO WAS JOHN THE BAPTIST?

Mark 1:1-15 1:1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:

"I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way"-

3 "a voice of one calling in the desert,

'Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.'"

4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

Luke 1:5-25 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

Luke 1:56-67 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."

61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

Luke 1:80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Zechariah (father) is high priest; mother is in line of Aaron

John is qualified to be a high priest by bloodline

Elizabeth (mother) related to Mary

Filled with Holy Spirit from birth

Has the spirit of Elijah

Preaches repentance

Repentance is changing directions in one’s behavior. It is not just saying you are sorry with tears, it is the conscious effort to walk a different direction -- to change. Can that actually be done? Not without becoming a new creation. Jesus explains in John 3 -- and Paul explains to the church at Corinth.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation ; the old has gone, the new has come!

Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

The baptism -- going through the waters of the mikveh -- was a sign of spiritual change: repentance.

CAMELHAIR AND LEATHER BELT

The costume John wore was important. It indicated he was a prophet in the office of a prophet, not just a temporary gift such as King Saul experienced.

Zechariah 13:4 "On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his prophetic vision. He will not put on a prophet's garment of hair in order to deceive.

2 Kings 1:7-8 The king asked them, "What kind of man was it who came to meet you and told you this?"

8 They replied, "He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist."

The king said, "That was Elijah the Tishbite."

What is a prophet’s garment? Part of it is a garment of hair -- apparently camelhair..

Camelhair is a luxury fiber like cashmere.

Source: The two-humped Bactrian camel. From the fine, soft undercoat or underlayer of hair. The straighter and coarser outer coat is called guard hair.

Geographic Origin: Significant supplier countries are: China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, New Zealand, Tibet and Australia.

Camel Hair "Has thermostatic properties which protect and insulate the camel in high mountain cold and blizzards while keeping cool in desert heat. Camel hair garments are worn by native desert travelers to protect them from the heat." Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturer’s Institute [CCMI]

Leviticus 11:4-5 "'There are some that only chew the cud or only have a split hoof, but you must not eat them. The camel , though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is ceremonially unclean for you.

A garment or tunic made of fine, soft, insulating hair from a camel, tied with a leather belt But the camel is considered ceremonially unclean? Unclean ravens fed Elijah. Is there something about the unclean and prophets?

NAZIRITE VOW

Numbers 6:1-8 6:1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to the LORD as a Nazirite, 3 he must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or from other fermented drink. He must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. 4 As long as he is a Nazirite, he must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.

5 "'During the entire period of his vow of separation no razor may be used on his head. He must be holy until the period of his separation to the LORD is over; he must let the hair of his head grow long. 6 Throughout the period of his separation to the LORD he must not go near a dead body. 7 Even if his own father or mother or brother or sister dies, he must not make himself ceremonially unclean on account of them, because the symbol of his separation to God is on his head. 8 Throughout the period of his separation he is consecrated to the LORD.

No strong drink -- nothing from the grape at all. And a tendency for un-cut hair. He is wearing the garment of a prophet just like Elijah. Some think the mantle of Elijah that fell to Elisha was a camelhair tunic: the garment of a prophet. The robe we wear is important..We have been sufficiently taught that the robe was crude, rough, and coarse -- and a sign of great humbleness. However, according to the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturer’s Institute, camel hair is a luxury fiber. The traditional way of collecting it is when it drops off the camel during molting season. And "coarse" camel hair is known as "guard hair"; of even greater luxury? This we have not been taught. A coat of camelhair is a coat of luxury spun with special skills that provided protection from the heat and cold of the desert. It was usually tan with a sheen to it. Christ’s question, "What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothing?" has a slightly different understanding after investigating what "coarse camelhair" actually is.

We have a wild and weird man growing up in the desert who is quite well known as the legitimate high priest: his mother AND father are in the line of Aaron. Do you think the Jewish hierarchy was not aware of that? Why would anyone come out into the desert to hear a strange duck hollering at them? He had a reputation that was even known by Herod. John was the legitimate High Priest, not the lackey appointed by Herod. His words needed to be heard.

WHAT DID YOU GO OUT TO SEE?

Matthew 11:7-15 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet . 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

"'I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.'

11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.

Luke 7:24-30 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet . 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

"'I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.'

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

Remember now that John’s mother and Jesus mother were relatives. That means John and Jesus were related: second cousins perhaps? And I contend that the powers that be also knew full well that Jesus was the legitimate King of Israel. Herod knew this. And so did the phony High Priest who also knew that John., in exile in the desert, was the legitimate High Priest.

Even Jesus mentions the garment of John. It must have been something special. Jesus’ tunic was also special. It was not torn apart at his crucifixion.

JOHN’S BAPTISM

The Apostle starts at the beginning of the Gospel and he tells about the baptism of John. It is a baptism of repentance. It was also a great revival if "all" of Jerusalem and Judea and the Jordan Valley came to be baptized. Even some Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized and heard the "vipers brood" sermon.

John’s baptism was repentance. This is not new to Judaism; mikvehs were all over the place. John was bringing the prophetic voice with the legitimate authority of a real high priest through the spirit of Elijah in preparation of the Messiah. But John’s baptism was ONLY of repentance. That is why the Apostle put it at the beginning of the Gospel. But I am afraid that most of Christianity as practiced by the church has not gotten any further than that. This problem is not new because Paul ran into it

Acts 19:3-6 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"

"John's baptism ," they replied.

4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

John the Baptist preached a clear message: he baptized with water; the One coming would baptize with fire. Jesus baptizes with fire. Is that just rhetoric? Nice sounding words only? If you look at Christianity as practiced today in all denominations -- even supposedly Pentecostal churches -- baptism of fire is not that important. It may happen but there is the constant perceived danger of "wildfire," a term coined by a major "Pentecostal" denomination to shut down healing evangelists and prophets who were demonstrating more "fire" than the pastors in their churches back in the 50s.

The church does not seem to get past the first chapter of John anymore. And we celebrate success in the church’s ability or seeming ability to "bring them in." Into what? Repentance -- and only repentance. Not to diminish repentance in anyway; it is the first step. But that is also only the first chapter of John. Then, after the baptism, Jesus, full of the Spirit, starts ministering. Is this a pattern -- a formula? Repentance first, then Jesus comes with fire?

JESUS’ BAPTISM

Matthew 3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire .

The ministry of John brought "all" of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordan valley out to be baptized for or into repentance. The entire church today "pushes" towards repentance and baptism. Some present the idea that baptism is how repentance happens. As the church, we desire revival in any of its definitions. Even the Brownsville Revival had an emphasis on repentance and the Friday night baptisms -- which were fascinating. But Jesus, as presented by John the Baptist, was going to baptize with something way beyond "just" repentance and water. Not that repentance is insignificant, but John said there is so much more. The church generally does not seem to be there; and Christians don’t generally seem to be baptized with fire. In fact, those in ministry tend to not indicate any baptism of fire, even amongst supposed Pentecostals.

And this is only chapter one of the Gospel of John. This is only the introduction to what the Word actually is. What about the other 20 chapters? What will they teach us? The Baptism of Fire by Jesus is realized by the early church and the book of Acts chronicles some of the events.

Mark 16:15-18 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Luke 24:48-49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Acts 1:4-8 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The hint of the Baptism of Fire -- the consistent hint -- is speaking in tongues. In the book of Acts, consistently when people were "clothed" with the power of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues. Do we dare try ministry without that power? With just repentance? And maybe not even with that?

Is John saying to the church today:

Matthew 3:7-10 "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

How do you produce good fruit? You need the power. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. [Matthew 3:11]