The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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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

8. Describe the events and purpose surrounding the flight of Mary and Joseph to Egypt. What prompted this change of plans, and when did they return to Palestine? 9. What do we learn about the personality and calling of Jesus from the incident of teaching the elders in the Temple at Jerusalem? How does Jesus describe himself in this episode? 10. In Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ upbringing, what do we learn about the growth of the young boy Jesus into manhood?

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The Messiah Announced

Segment 2: John the Baptist and the Baptism in the Desert

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

John the Baptist is the forerunner and messenger of the Messiah, who announced his coming and prepared his way by preaching a message of repentance and faith to the nation of Israel. As the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy of Messiah’s coming, John served as a witness to Jesus, announcing his presence, and baptizing Jesus in accordance with Jesus’ unqualified identification with sinners in all things. Jesus was recognized as the Messiah at his baptism, and was led into the wilderness where he endured and triumphed over Satan’s temptations. Jesus announced himself as Messiah to his hometown synagogue in Nazareth, to his initial followers early in his ministry, and through his miracle at Cana of Galilee. Our objective for this segment, John the Baptist and the Baptism in the Desert , is to enable you to see that: • John the Baptist was the forerunner and witness of the Messiah, chosen by God to provide witness to Jesus’ arrival and prepare the nation of Israel for his coming.

Summary of Segment 2

• Jesus’ baptism reveals his complete identification with sinners, as well as God’s validation of Jesus as his Son on whom the Holy Spirit rested.