What did John the Baptist’s ministry do for Jesus in the grand scheme of things?
+ Click to add your own note
John the Baptist’s ministry propelled Jesus into public recognition.
Who are you?
An authority question.
Supporting Scripture: Matthew 21:23-27 (ESV)
+ Click to add your own note
Supporting Scripture: Malachi 4:5 (ESV)
+ Click to add your own note
Supporting Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV)
+ Click to add your own note
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
I am a messenger of the Lord.
What if we saw ourselves in the same role as John the Baptist as a messenger of the Lord?
Your message and your witness about Jesus is more powerful than John the Baptist’s.
Supporting Scripture: Matthew 11:11 (ESV)
+ Click to add your own note
We, as a church, are in the business.
The one thing that each of us holds that can bring the biggest transformation into the lives of others is our own witness and experience of how Jesus has forgiven and transformed our lives.
Talking to others about Jesus isn’t hard, but dying to ourselves is.
Extrospection = the examination or observation of what is outside oneself.
+ Click to add your own note
Who’s your one more?
We had it all. We lost it all. Jesus did it all. We get it all.
John 1:19-34 focuses on John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus, where he identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Here are some personal reflection questions you can use to deepen your understanding of the passage:
1. Understanding John the Baptist’s Role:
- Why do you think John the Baptist emphasizes that he is not the Messiah, but merely a witness? How does his humility speak to your own understanding of identity and purpose in Christ?
- What does it mean for you to “testify” or “bear witness” to Christ in your own life? How can you do this authentically?
2. Recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God:
- When John declares Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” what does that image stir up for you personally? How does the concept of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb impact your view of His role in your life?
- In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ sacrifice personally? Are there areas of your life where you still need to embrace His forgiveness or sacrifice more deeply?
3. Baptism and the Holy Spirit:
- John says that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What does it mean for you personally to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? How do you experience the Holy Spirit’s work in your life today?
- Are there ways in which you feel the need for deeper renewal or empowerment by the Holy Spirit? What would that look like in your daily life?
4. Jesus’ Identity:
- John the Baptist testifies that he did not know Jesus fully until the Spirit revealed Him. How does the Spirit reveal Jesus to you in your life? In what ways has your understanding of who Jesus is deepened over time?
- What might the phrase “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” reveal about God’s love for humanity? How does that challenge or encourage you in your own relationship with God?
5. Personal Response to Jesus:
- John states, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” How can you more intentionally behold Jesus in your daily life? What does it look like for you to focus on Jesus more fully each day?
- How would you respond if you were there with John, witnessing his declaration about Jesus? How can you cultivate a deeper, more awe-filled response to who Jesus is in your own life?
6. The Call to Follow:
- John points his disciples to Jesus and invites them to follow Him. How do you respond to the invitation to follow Jesus more closely? Are there areas in your life where you feel called to follow Him more intentionally?
- Is there anything in your life that hinders your ability to follow Jesus fully? What can you do to remove those obstacles and walk more closely with Him?
7. Witnessing and Sharing Christ:
- How do you witness to the truth of who Jesus is in your everyday life? In what ways can you be more vocal about your faith or testimony, like John the Baptist?
- How do you handle situations when people question or challenge your faith? What does John’s example teach you about standing firm in your witness?