gracious jesus: the greatest prophet

THE GREATEST PROPHET

by Naju

GRACIOUS JESUS1. PRESENTING THE KING

The King is BornThe Greatest ProphetJohn Baptizes JesusThe Tempter Lures JesusJesus’ Ministry Launch

JOHN, THE GREATEST PROPHETPRESENTATION OVERVIEW

Passages:Matt 3:1-12, Lk 3:1-20Cross References:Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-24; Luke 3:19, 20ObjectiveBirth of JohnPromise of GodMinistry

MessageBaptismForerunnerCost

Discussion

JOHN, THE GREATEST PROPHETOBJECTIVES

To understand:• The requirements of

godly parents• The benchmark

message we need to communicate

• The benchmark lifestyle of a disciple

• The cost and rewards of discipleship

JOHN THE GREATEST PROPHETTHEME VERSE

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him’”Mark 1:2-3

Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. Luke 1:6

BIRTH OF JOHNCHOICE OF PARENTS

BIRTH OF JOHNANNOUNCEMENT

11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. Luke 1

BIRTH OF JOHNANNOUNCEMENT (CONT’D)

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. Luke 1

BIRTH OF JOHNUNBELIEF

18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” …20 And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak… because you did not believe my words...” Lk 1

BIRTH OF JOHNANOINTED IN WOMB

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 1

BIRTH OF JOHNPROMISE OF GOD

John, the prophet: Was great in God’s eyes Had no alcoholic drinks Was filled with the Holy Spirit

from birth Turned many to the Lord Turned fathers to children Turned rebellious to accept

wisdom. Had spirit and power of Elijah. Prepared the way for the Lord.

Luke 1:14-17

MINISTRYMESSAGE

• Repentance.• Strange persona unlike

the leaders of that time. • Confronts King Herod • Exposes hypocrisy of

the Pharisees and Sadducees.

• Warns about judgement.

• Teaches sharing, excellence, fairness, contentment, etc.

MINISTRYMESSAGE

• How different are most of the prophets of today from John?

• What can we learn?

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matt 3:12

MINISTRYBAPTISM

• Traditionally used to convert Gentiles into Jews.

• Done in the Jordon river (where God renewed his covenant before Israelites entered the Promised Land. -Joshua 3:14-17)

• Jesus was also baptized before he starts his ministry.

MINISTRYFORERUNNER

Points to:• The Messiah • Inwards to their

own slavery to sin.• Reconciliation

with God

Points away from himself

Matt 3:11

He must become greater, I must become less.John 3:30

MINISTRYTHE COST

• Herodias plans to kill John

• So also the religious leaders

• Eventually beheaded by King Herod

Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-24; Luke 3:19, 20

MINISTRYTHE COST

• God does not guarantee an easy or safe life to those who serve him.

• Standing for the truth is more important than life itself.

• Christians today face a world of moral compromise.

• Show the compromised world a little of John’s stubborness, fortitude and faith.

JOHN, THE GREATEST PROPHETRECAP

Birth of John• Choice of Parents• Announcement• Unbelief• Anointed in womb• Promise of God

Ministry• Message• Baptism• Forerunner• Cost

JOHN, THE GREATEST PROPHETDISCUSSION

Do you practice what you preach? Could people discover what you believe by observing the way you live?How productive are you for God?How can you prepare the way for a person to approach Christ?Can we like John, put our egos and profitable work aside in order to point others to Jesus?What have you done with the truth you read in God’s word?

“The greatness of one’s faith is determined by what it’s strong enough to accomplish”