Groundwork (John the Baptist)

Summary

Old Testament closes with the prophet Malachi saying before the “great and awesome day of the Lord” he will send a messenger, in the spirit Elijah, who will prepare the way for arrival of the King. Through fulfilled prophecies and divine messages, including Jesus own words, John the Baptist is confirmed to be the man who will lay the groundwork for Jesus ministry.  Preaching in the wilderness and baptizing sinners in the Jordan River, John’s message to diverse crowds was bold, simple, and universal “Repent”, turn from sin to God. Why? Because the King of Heaven is coming and with Him comes  judgment for all and salvation for those who confess sin and humble themselves before the king.  The messenger is not as important  as who the message is about. John is a great man and a good preacher but he is not the Savior-King. He tells people they  need for God’s mercy then points to Jesus as one mighty to save and the Holy Spirit ability to empower sinners with the gift of faith and repentance.

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