JOHN THE BAPTIST: A FAITH THAT CHALLENGES OTHERS
Matthew 3:1–12
Mark Twain once quipped, “There is nothing more annoying than a good example.” Tinged with a dose of sarcasm, it seems Twain was expressing that if someone else can accomplish a particular task, we may also be responsible or even feel inadequate if we cannot.
When it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus, we are all accountable. As a Christian, you know the unchanging truths of God’s grace as it relates to salvation and the obedience that should follow.
Our faith is meant to be expressed publicly in every area of our lives. God does not call us to be bashful or hidden with our testimony.
This week, we consider John the Baptist, one of the greatest witnesses and people who ever lived.
We can call others to the same faith in Christ we have. (1–6)
There has never been a man quite like John the Baptist. He bursts on the scene with the fiery message, “Repent, because the Kingdom of heaven has come near!” His wardrobe, diet and approach were all unconditional yet they were also effective. He cared little about popularity or being accepted by others.
His words are the first sermon in the New Testament. People were drawn to him out of curiosity but would leave converted and baptized. God used his passion as an example for others.
If others in your community were to pattern their enthusiasm or obedience to God after your own, what kind of community would result? John the Baptist shared a challenging message that called people to come to God.
In a world that seems bent on not challenging or confronting people, would your testimony give them false hope or a genuine way to know Christ?
Calling others to faith often calls for addressing hard truths. (7–10)
John’s call to repentance was a confrontation with the sins of the audience. He knew that without turning from sin, they would suffer an eternity without hope or Jesus.
The message of repentance was the first of John the Baptist, Jesus and Peter at Pentecost. This essential message of turning from your sin and turning to God has not and will not change. To neglect the message of repentance is to forsake the gospel and the call to action.
Repentance requires honesty, humility, accountability and genuine commitment. Salvation is free, but it does not come without a cost.
The message of faith is never about us but solely about Jesus. (11–12)
If repentance calls us from the old life of sin, it equally calls us to holiness and redemption through Jesus. He is always the Hero of the salvation story. John the Baptist lived and died pointing others to Christ. He knew the message was greater than himself, and he was always content with his ministry decreasing as Jesus began His own.
Is that true of you and me? Does it excite us when the focus is on Jesus rather than on ourselves? It should. He is the only One worthy of praise and adoration.
The message, ministry and mindset of John the Baptist lives on. Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest person ever born of a woman. Talk about a fantastic example for us all! John’s message of repentance remains a challenge to all who heed it. Is your life’s example doing the same?
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
