In this sermon, we looked at the role of John the Baptist in the life and ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist was a rugged man who lived in the wilderness and spoke boldly to all who would listen. His message to Israel was controversial, as he proclaimed that just being born a Jew wouldn’t get you into heaven. He called the nation of Israel to prepare for the coming of the Messiah by repenting and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Though he proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, John the Baptist had never met Jesus. When he saw Jesus for the first time, he excitedly proclaimed, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” The rest of John’s Gospel will continue to reveal Jesus as the Lamb of God who became the Lamb who was slain, in order to make holy and perfect for all eternity those who would believe upon His name.
