John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus. Only the book of Luke gives us the details of his birth.
John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were both from the tribe of Aaron, who was the brother of Moses.
Here are 5 Promises Concerning John the Baptist:
The 1st Promise:
John’s birth was foretold by an angel, despite his parents’ advanced age
Luke 1:13 tells us:
“The angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.’ ”
The 2nd Promise:
John’s name was given him by his mother, validating the angel’s command.
Luke 1:59-60 says:
“And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, ‘No; he shall be called John.’ ”
The 3rd Promise:
John announced the coming of the Messiah, as foretold by Isaiah.
Mark 1:1-3 reveals his mission:
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”
The 4th Promise:
John consented to baptize Jesus, releasing the power of the Holy Spirit over Jesus’ life.
Matthew 3:15-16 unwinds the events:
“But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then [John] consented. And when Jesus was baptized, … the Spirit of God descended like a dove coming to rest on him.”
The 5th Promise:
John was the greatest man born, next to his cousin, Jesus.
Matthew 11:11 gives us the words of Christ:
“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.”
John became a martyr of the early church. His role was pivotal in bringing Jesus to the forefront of his ministry. Thank God John was the man he was, that he “prepared the way of the Lord and made his paths straight.”
When we need a superhero to hold up as an example for our children, open the Bible. They are everywhere within the pages of the Book.
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