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The Baptism of Jesus

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But John tried to deter him, saying,

"I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

[Matthew 3:14]

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Another baby had come to the world six months before Jesus was born.

That boy was John the Baptist whom God had sent to pave the way of Jesus.

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John the Baptist said loudly, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

His speech created a sensation among many people.

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Many people came to John the Baptist and confessed their sins.

They were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

People thought that John the Baptist was a prophet from God.

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John the Baptist lived in the desert and did not come back home.

He gave up his private life to preach the gospel.

His food was locusts and wild honey. His clothes were made of camel’s hair.

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In those days the leaders, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees came to the Jordan River. Boldly he would also say to them, “Unless you repent of your sins, you cannot flee from God’s wrath. So you must repent of your sins.”

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“Do not think that you are the sons of Abraham. God can raise up children of Abraham out of these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” John the Baptist was not afraid of pointing out the sins of those in higher classes.

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In those days the king, Herod, made his brother’s wife to become his wife with his power. The people could not point out their faults because they were afraid of the King. But John the Baptist boldly pointed out their faults.

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John the Baptist did not hesitate to point out the sins of the king and those people who did wrong against God’s words. So, John the Baptist did not compromise with them. Therefore, he was hated, especially by the Queen.

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People enhanced John the Baptist as a great prophet and followed after him. Yet, John the Baptist was humble before God until the end.
He considered his great success as preparing Jesus’ way.

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John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the people by saying, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I.

I am not fit to even carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

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John the Baptist had the chance to baptize Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, heaven was opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son. I love him. I am well pleased with him.” Even through this experience, John the Baptist did not become arrogant.

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When Jesus began to preach the gospel, many people who followed John the Baptist went to Jesus. The disciples of John the Baptist told John the Baptist about that. But John the Baptist was not envious and did not feel bad.

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John the Baptist said to his disciples,

“He must become greater. I must become less.”

Therefore, John the Baptist was a humble person and fulfilled his important mission with all of his heart.

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John the Baptist was hated by Queen Herodias, so he was put in prison.

Queen Herodias, who had a plan to kill John the Baptist, made her daughter dance for King Herod’s birthday. She required the head of John the Baptist as the prize.

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King Herod ordered to bring the head of John the Baptist to him on a platter.
John the Baptist was killed without doing anything wrong. John the Baptist chose the way of death without compromising with the evil people because he did not fear death.

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When Jesus heard of John the Baptist’s death, he was so sad.
Because Jesus had once highly praised John the Baptist’s faith. Jesus had said, “John the Baptist is the greatest person among those born of women.”

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My dear friends, let's try to be the people that when Jesus looks at our lives;
He can compliment us, too.

If you obey the words of God, stay humble, and keep away from evil sins, then Jesus will lift you up and you will be called His faithful servant!