⏱ 6 min read

Today we want to share with you about a man Jesus called: the greatest of all men born to women (Matthew 11:11). For Jesus to give such credentials to a person, I believe we ought to take a closer look at such a man. His name is John the Baptist.

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:1-2

John the Baptist was a prophet who preached repentance: “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” He preached about baptism, restitution, and producing fruits of righteousness. He preached about the wrath to come; he preached against pride; he preached about heaven and hell; etc.

• I believe the mark of a true prophet of God is in the preaching of the Word to bring repentance, restitution, Godliness, and all the listed as John preached.
• Please do not be deceived by “seers,” because sorcerers and fortune tellers also see (Acts 16:16-17).
• Do not chase after such, seek for the Word. Your sure prophecy is in the Word!

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" - 2 Peter 1:19

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” – Matthew 3:3

John was aware of his purpose in life: He was to prepare the way for the Lord. He was diligent with this purpose and did not deviate from it. He knew he was not the main person and constantly pointed all the masses to Christ (v.11; John 1:26-27).

v11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

• Dear friend, there are different callings and gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Cor 12).
• Some of us are called to serve, help, and assist others, and not to be the ‘main’ people (Read about the five-fold ministry in Ephesians 4:11).
• Knowing your calling/purpose, will give you peace and lead you to live a fulfilled life. You will not be in competition with anyone else.

Even when John had the masses coming to him (v5-6), which is perhaps the sign of a successful ministry, he never said he was the main man and constantly pointed them to Jesus.
This is the mark of a true minister/prophet/pastor/apostle/etc.: Jesus is the emphasis! Ultimately, the main person is Jesus! We must all point people to Jesus!

 v5-6 "People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River."

And if you are called and working as a helper, or assistant to someone, learn from John and always point people to the main person. Don’t try to outshine the main person and take over “because I do it better” or “my decisions are the reason why we are here,” “the people like me more,” etc.

John said: “He (Jesus) must increase, and I must decrease.” Interestingly, John’s ministry was powerful and successful, because it was linked to the main person.
If you break away or try to be the main person, you’ll be surprised what a failure you’ll be in the end. Learn to stay in your purpose!

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v.4 “Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”

• Lastly, John lived a simple and humble life for the sake of the Gospel.
• I do not believe Zechariah and Elizabeth were poor; I do not believe that he didn’t have supporters or financiers for his ministry.
• I believe he chose to be separated from the people and modified his lifestyle based on his call.

You and I, in pursuing our gifts and calling, will need to make some adjustments and sacrifices in our lifestyle also. You may not have to dress like John the Baptist or eat locust, but there is surely a sacrifice to pay and a cross to carry (Matthew 16:24-26).

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? - Matthew 16:24-26

The cross speaks of sacrifice! Christianity is sacrifice; are you willing to make your sacrifice?
It will be specific to your call and purpose, but there will surely be a sacrifice.
I pray God will help us with these few lessons from John and will grant us grace to fulfill our call also. You’re blessed!

Again, you're blessed! Do share your wisdom lessons from Matthew 3. Remember to tag us on 📲:
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