The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah, the priest, and Elizabeth (also of priestly descent and a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus). Born in the hill country of Judah, his birth having been foretold by an angel (Luke 1.11ff.), he spent his early years in the wilderness of Judea (Luke 1.80). His public ministry began in the fifteenth year of the emperor Tiberius (A.D. 27) when he suddenly appeared out of the wilderness. John represents the fulfillment of the Elijah expectation, for Jesus (Mark 9.11-13) and the announcing angel (Luke 1.17). His person and importance cannot be underestimated for our understanding of Jesus and his announcement of his Messiahship. In every way, John shows similarities with Elijah (e.g., a “garment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle around his waist”) (Matt. 3.4) was similar to the dress of Elijah (2 Kings 1.8). Although John refused to identify himself as Elijah (John 1.21-25), he did suggest his identification with Isaiah’s “voice in the wilderness” (John 1.23). Note carefully as you speak with the students John’s twofold message emphasis: (1) the imminent appearance of the Messianic Kingdom, and (2) the immediate need for Israel to repent in preparation for the Messiah’s appearing (Matt. 3.2). This message was especially directed to the people of God, the Jews, because of God’s salvific purpose to prepare Israel for the Messiah’s coming (Matt. 3.7-12). John’s testimony is critical in affirming and announcing the identity of Jesus as Messiah (John 1.29). It is a popular interpretation to associate John with the Essenes, a group we will consider in later lessons, especially because of his ascetic habits and his location near the chief settlement of the sect. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scroll (Qumran) sect, an Essenish group which dwelt on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, has lent more credibility to this opinion, although it has not been proven. John was beheaded for his prophetic judgment upon Herod Antipas for his marriage to his brother’s wife (Matt. 14.1-12). Jesus testifies of John’s critical importance in the realm of prophetic ministry, I believe, largely because of his role in announcing the coming of the Messiah himself. Matt. 11.1-15 (ESV) - When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.[2] Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his

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