Topical Bible: Good Children: John the Baptist

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Topical Encyclopedia

John the Baptist stands as a pivotal figure in the New Testament, known for his role as the forerunner to Jesus Christ. His life and ministry are marked by a profound dedication to God from an early age, making him an exemplary model of obedience and righteousness.

Birth and Early Life

John's birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel to his father, Zechariah, a priest, and his mother, Elizabeth, who was barren and advanced in years. This miraculous announcement is recorded in the Gospel of Luke: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John" (Luke 1:13). From the womb, John was set apart for a divine purpose, filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth (Luke 1:15).

Character and Lifestyle

John's upbringing was marked by a life of simplicity and asceticism. He lived in the wilderness, clothed in camel's hair and sustained by locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). This lifestyle reflected his commitment to his prophetic calling and his separation from worldly distractions. His character was one of humility and boldness, as he fearlessly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah and called for repentance.

Ministry and Message

John's ministry was centered on preparing the way for Jesus. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, urging the people to "produce fruit worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8). His message was direct and uncompromising, challenging both the common people and the religious leaders of the time. John identified himself as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord'" (John 1:23), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

Baptism of Jesus

One of the most significant events in John's ministry was the baptism of Jesus. Despite his initial hesitation, John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, witnessing the Holy Spirit descending upon Him like a dove and hearing the voice of God affirming Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:13-17). This event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and underscored John's role in God's redemptive plan.

Legacy and Influence

John the Baptist's influence extended beyond his lifetime. Jesus Himself spoke highly of John, stating, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist" (Matthew 11:11). John's unwavering commitment to his divine mission, even unto death, serves as a powerful testament to his faithfulness and dedication to God's will.

John the Baptist remains a profound example of a good child who grew into a man of God, fulfilling his purpose with integrity and courage. His life and ministry continue to inspire believers to live with conviction and to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing to Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John the Baptist Tells of Jesus' Work
... This John wore a garment of camel's hair and a ... for I tell you, God can raise up children
for Abraham ... Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/john the baptist tells of.htm

On the Nativity of John the Baptist the First Sermon
... God. The name of John means one in the state of grace. ... them. Children, it
were good for them to resolve to remain in this way. Man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon x on the nativity.htm

Jesus Praises John the Baptist
... to life, and the poor have the good news told ... no man has appeared who is greater
than John the Baptist ... They are like children sitting in the market-places, who ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus praises john the baptist.htm

The Children's Bible
... <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... GOD THE LOVING FATHER. GOD FROM
WHOM ALL GOOD THINGS COME. ... JOHN THE BAPTIST TELLS OF JESUS' WORK. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

Fathers and Children'
... Would you have rather expected to hear John the Baptist ask, what sort of ... And last
of all, are your children despisers of those who are good, inclined to ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

The Promised Birth of John the Baptist.
... bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. ... to turn the hearts of the fathers
to the children, and the ... unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the promised birth of john.htm

Herod the Tetrarch Makes War with Aretas, the King of Arabia, and ...
... Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and ... Herod, who feared lest the great
influence John had over ... of Providence, how a multitude of children is of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 herod the tetrarch.htm

Comparison of the Statements of the Four Evangelists Respecting ...
... But both classes see John point to the stones aforesaid and declare that even from
these children can be ... Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/14 comparison of the statements.htm

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
... 12:3; Philippians 3:5. Male children were named ... when John entered upon his
ministry"John 1:19 ... In holiness and righteousness [holiness is good conduct toward ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/viii the birth and early.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. ... bride to understand and appreciate
her bridegroom"John 3:28 ... unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm