Sermon Recap+ June 15, 2025

When we look at the story of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13-17, we often focus on Jesus himself. But there's much to learn from John the Baptist - the man who baptized Jesus and prepared the way for His ministry.

The baptism of Jesus is a profound moment where we see the Trinity revealed - the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice declaring His pleasure in His Son. But today, let's shift our focus to John the Baptist and what his life and ministry can teach us.

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Who Was John the Baptist and Why Does He Matter?

There are five significant things we should know about John the Baptist:

1. His Birth Was Miraculous

John's birth was nothing short of miraculous. His mother Elizabeth was elderly and well past childbearing years when an angel announced she would have a son. This teaches us that age is not an excuse - God can use anyone at any stage of life. Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy reminds us that God has the power to use us as instruments of peace, even and especially when we are old.

2. He Was the First Prophet in 400 Years

Before John appeared, Israel had experienced 400 years of prophetic silence. No prophet had spoken to Israel for four centuries until John arrived. Isaiah 40:3 prophesied about him: "A voice cries out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'" John broke this silence, making his appearance all the more significant.

3. He Lived in the Wilderness

John chose to live in the wilderness, following the tradition of prophets before him. His lifestyle was intentional - pointing to repentance and separation from worldly comforts. The wilderness was where prophets traditionally lived, and John embraced this calling fully.

4. He Dressed the Part

John's appearance was distinctive - wearing camel's hair and a leather belt, eating locusts and wild honey. His clothing and lifestyle were visual reminders of his prophetic role. Just as clergy today might wear collars to remind people of God's presence, John's appearance signaled his special calling and message.

5. He Was More Than Just a Baptizer

While we often remember John primarily for baptizing Jesus, he was much more than that. He was a powerful preacher of repentance, a cousin of Jesus, and someone who understood his role in God's greater plan.

What Can We Learn from John the Baptist's Example?

Beyond these facts about John, there are two powerful lessons we can learn from his life:

The Power of Humility

In John 3:30, John makes a profound statement about his ministry: "He must increase, but I must decrease." When Jesus came to be baptized, John initially resisted, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" He recognized his place in relation to Jesus.

In our world where popularity and social media presence often drive ministry, John's example challenges us.

• How can we be more like John in this time and place?

• How can we make our message about Christ rather than ourselves?

John's humility stands in stark contrast to our culture's obsession with self-promotion. He understood that his role was to point people to Jesus, not to himself. This is a powerful reminder for all of us - the more we humble ourselves, the more Christ is lifted up.

Faith Even in Doubt

Despite his miraculous birth, prophetic calling, and powerful ministry, John wasn't immune to doubt. When he was imprisoned by King Herod, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2-6).

This teaches us something profound about faith. Faith isn't about never having questions or doubts; it's about bringing those doubts to Jesus. John wasn't afraid to ask the difficult questions, and neither should we be.

Faith is not about being blind. It's about asking the difficult questions and trusting Jesus with our uncertainties. Many of us hesitate to ask questions because we think they're foolish or we're ashamed of not knowing the answers. But Jesus is approachable - so approachable that He allowed Himself to be baptized by John.

Why Did Jesus Need to Be Baptized?

This brings us to an important question: Why did Jesus need to be baptized at all? John's baptism was for repentance, but Jesus was without sin. What was the purpose?

Jesus Himself gives the answer: "to fulfill all righteousness." There was no prophecy that specifically required Jesus to be baptized. Rather, Jesus submitted to baptism as an example of humility for us. Both Jesus and John were submitting to the Father's will.

This teaches us that the best way to live - whether as a cousin, father, son, or in any relationship - is by humbling ourselves. Jesus consistently taught this principle throughout His ministry. Rather than seeking the seat of honor, we should humble ourselves and allow others to elevate us if appropriate.

Life Application

As we reflect on John the Baptist's life and his role in baptizing Jesus, here are some ways we can apply these lessons:

1. Embrace humility in all areas of life. Ask yourself: Where am I seeking recognition rather than pointing others to Christ? How can I "decrease" so that Christ might "increase" in my life and relationships?

2. Bring your doubts to Jesus. What questions have you been afraid to ask? Remember that faith includes wrestling with difficult questions, not pretending they don't exist.

3. Remember that God can use anyone. You might feel like a "nobody," but God can use you powerfully if you're willing to point others to Him rather than yourself. What gifts has God given you that could be used to glorify Him?

4. Consider your own baptism. How does remembering your baptism help you live out your Christian calling? If you haven't been baptized, what might be holding you back?

The story of John the Baptist reminds us that we don't need to be extraordinary to be used by God. We simply need to be faithful in pointing others to Christ, humble in our approach, and honest with our questions. As John would tell us, it's not about us - it's about making Jesus known.