John the Baptist

Introduction

Name some different attitudes toward religion that exist in our culture.

  • Scepticism

  • Hostility

  • Resentment

  • Convenience

  • Fanaticism

  • Anticipation

  • Commitment

Do you think there were similar attitudes in existence at the time of John the baptist?

  • Pilate - what is truth? John 18:28

  • Insurrection - Barabbas Mark 15:7 (same greek word that Josephus used to describe the zealots.

  • Simon the zealot mark 3:18

  • Pharisees - Matt. 23:23, 23:4 Rituals, going through the motions

  • Sadducees - Acts 23:8 (no resurrection)

What were people searching for, waiting for in that culture?

  • At that time there was anticipation among some of the coming of the Messiah.

  • Others - not religious at all - were happy with the status quo.

  • Also a group radically looking for liberation from Roman rule.

What do you think when you see a street preacher?

John suddenly appears on the scene.

Mark 1:1 “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

Mark 1:2-3 Testimony from the Old Testament sets the scene.

Mark 1:4 "John appeared. . . ."

Mark 1:4 ff ". . . .all Jerusalem and Judea were going our to him."

John’s message

What were the components of John’s message? Luke 3:1-14

  • Repentance and forgiveness

    • Strong words: “Brood of vipers” “The wrath to come”

    • Big talk, but no action. “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”

    • Boastful about their ancestral religion. “We have Abraham as our father.”

  • Share your material things with those in need.

  • Honesty

  • No extortion or threats.

  • Be content with your wages.

  • Someone greater than me is coming with redemption and judgment.

Does it surprise you that he had such a following given his message? Would his message attract a following in our culture? How would he and his followers be viewed in our culture? As wackos?

Imagine in the urban area people hearing about this guy out in the country calling for people to turn back to God.

And people were going out to to see what this was all about.

What was unusual - different - about John?

Appearance, diet, message, location.

Luke 3:15-17 What was the response of the common people to him? What did people think about him and who he might be?

Can you name some “religious leaders” in our culture in recent times who had a following like that? What is their message? How does their message compare to John’s?

What was the response of the religious establishment to him?

John under scrutiny John 1:19-23

Who questioned him?

Who sent them?

What did they ask?

How did he respond?

John 1:24-28: The mystery man.

Rather than use his fame to his own benefit, John points people toward someone else.

Lifestyles

Compare the lifestyles of John and Jesus. Location, food, clothing, associations, activities.

John:

Mark 1:4-6 - He stayed out of the urban areas and people came out to him; His dress and diet were that of an outsider.

Luke 1:13-15; Numbers 6:1-8 - He lived the lifestyle of a Nazarite, one separated from culture and society for specific service to God.

Luke 7:33 - Lifestyle of abstinence.

Jesus:

Luke 7:36 - He associated with those with power and influence in society.

Luke 19:1-7 - Zacchaeus: He associated with the wealthy outcasts.

Matthew 9:9-13 - Dinner with Matthew; one of his disciples was a wealthy outcast.

Luke 7:34 - Social lifestyle; involved in society; wide range of associations.

Look at his disciples:

Peter, James, John - Middle class businessmen (fishing business).

Matthew - Wealthy outcast (government tax man)

Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea (Secret disciples, Pharisees) John19:38-39

Luke 7:1-23: John's doubts and Jesus’ response.

Luke 7:24-30: Jesus comments about John and two responses from the people around him.

  • What was the response of the common people and tax collectors? Why?

  • What was the response of the Pharisees and teachers of the law? Why?

Luke 7:33-34: Jesus comments on the hypocrisy of those who reject both he and John.

  • What does this say about the attitudes of the religious and cultural leaders?

The analogy of children:

Verse 32: poorly behaved children pouting and complaining because others will not do what they want.

Verse 35: The wisdom of God is vindicated by the good behavior of his children: John, Jesus, their disciples (disciples in the broader sense).