BIBLE READING: Matt 14:1-14
INTRODUCTION
There are many John in the bibleJohn the Baptist. Matt 14:8John the beloved John 21:7; 20;24John Mark Acts 12:12;25.
WHO WAS JOHN THE BAPTIST? THE BIBLE TELLS US A LOT ABOUT HIM: In today’s scripture, Jesus says that John the Baptist was “more than a prophet” (Matthew 11:9).
In today’s scripture, Jesus also says this about John the Baptist: “among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).The mothers of John the Baptist and Jesus were related (Luke 1:36).John was great because God gave him the most important job in human history: He was to prepare the way for the Messiah, God’s chosen one (Luke 1:16-17). The way God had John do this was to send him to baptize in the Jordan River.
Many came to be baptized by him. (Luke 3:3).But that wasn’t the most important part of preparing the way for the Messiah. The most important part was that the Messiah himself showed up to receive baptism! Jesus came to John to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, not the other way around!” But Jesus insisted (Matthew 3:13-15). When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, he saw the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus. And then John the Baptists said, in John 1:32-34:
WHY JOHN DOUBT THE MESSIASHIP OF JESUS
John 1:32-38
Thomas was not only the doubter. John the Baptist was also one.
He has a picture of the Messiah he wants Christ to be. Matt 3 :12
He was in a difficult situationHe came in the spirit of Elijah. 1 kings 19
He has been cut away from the spiritual ability that gave him strength. Matt 3: 4-10
The order of his ministry was changed. Matt 3:5-6 14:4 Luke 3:18-21
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE DOUBT OF JOHN
He came with his doubt to ChristHe was open to explanation
Reveal how Jesus perceive himGod used his doubt to encourage people.