2. 6 There was a man sent from
God, whose name was John. 7
He came as a witness, to bear
witness about the light, that all
might believe through him. 8 He
was not the light, but came to
bear witness about the light. 9
The true light, which gives light
to everyone, was coming into
the world.
3.
4.
5. John is mentioned in the bible prophetically & is called by way of typology
“Elijah”.
Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6, Matthew 17:10-13, Isaiah 40:1-5
Jesus considered John the greatest man to ever live.
Luke 7:24-28
▪ 24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did
you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A
man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in
kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27
This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your
way before you.’ 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is
least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
John’s family had quite the resume
Zechariah, John’s father, was a priest of Israel
Elizabeth, John’s mother, was a daughter of Aaron
This is basically bible speak for explaining that John the Baptist was twice related to Aaron
1 of the primary struggles of people in our culture is identity, John had an open
path. He could’ve followed in his father’s footsteps & become a priest.
Though these things are true, these are not mentioned as things that made John
great.
6. John the Baptist’s Missiology made him great (see John 1:7-8).
Missiology means the study of the churches mission & mandate in
the world.
John 1:7-8
▪ 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe
through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
Luke 7:27
▪ 27 This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your
face, who will prepare your way before you.’
John was humble. He didn’t rely on a great resume but instead
focused on making “the way” known (see Matthew 3:4-6).
To whom do I apply missiological principles?
To everyone – Matthew 28:19-20
Unbelievers – 2nd Corinthians 5:20-21
Believers – Ephesians 5:15-21