John the Baptist

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JTB, Part 1

Mustard Seed Thoughts

John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Mark 1:6 NIV

There was no doubt about it; John the Baptist was different! He was not your average guy. Never one afraid to stand out in a crowd, this man of God was atypical at best.

Today we begin a four part look at this Biblical character. You know, to play such an important role in the work of Christ, he really doesn't seem to get much attention. I do think, however, that there are some character traits about John the Baptist that we should examine...and even emulate.

John the Baptist, as today's scripture indicates, was not afraid to stand alone. It was okay with him to be different. Raising two boys about to enter their teenage years has caused me to use John the Baptist as an example. I want my boys to be able to stand alone. I don't want them to feel that they have to be like everyone else.

I can assure you that this year, and in the years to come, to stand for Christ may sometimes make you stand alone. You may find you are the minority in a crowded room of unbelievers. You may even face persecution as you defend your faith.

Take if from John the Baptist; it's okay to be different!

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JTB, Part 2

Mustard Seed Thoughts

And this was his (John the Baptist) message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie." Mark 1:7 NIV

As we continue our study of John the Baptist, we see today that John had a humble heart. He knew his position as it relates to Christ. He saw that he was nothing when compared with Christ.

Can you imagine having the priviledge of tying Christ's sandals? Sure, this was not a sought after position in society. In fact, the feet duty was normally saved for the very lowest class of citizens. Who wants to smell a bunch of dirty feet? Notice John the Baptist used the phrase "stoop down". You had to lower yourself to tie and untie sandals!

Still, just the possibility of being near Christ was enough to desire such a worthy task. The Creator of the Universe had come to earth to live among men in an effort to take us to our Heavenly home. Of course, you would think anyone would jump at the chance to be that close to Him.

John the Baptist, however, said that he was unworthy of such a high calling. How could he allow himself such a priviledge? Even though he had been called for the tasks of greatness, he could not picture himself being in even a close category with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Do you and I have such a view of ourselves? In today's "self help" society, where the key is to grab all you can and whoever is on top wins, we may could use a little John the Baptist humility in our lives?

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JTB, Part 3

Mustard Seed Thoughts

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 NIV

John the Baptist knew his purpose in life! And he followed it!

We can learn a lot from the life of John the Baptist. Prophesized as the "messenger" of God, John fulfilled exactly what God had planned for him to do. He went about baptizing and preaching. God said to; he obeyed! He was focussed!

Today I see so many people pretending to be something they are not. In an effort to be "popular" or seem successful to the outside world, often we attempt to take on the "better seen" tasks, rather than doing what we are called to do. In the church, it is far easier to find deacons and ushers, than to get someone to work with preschoolers.

Each of us has been called by God for a specific purpose. If we are to be focussed like John the Baptist, we will strive to fulfill God's call on our life. We will work to complete the task, using the gift we are given, and give God the glory for allowing us to be a part of His master plan.

John the Baptist was focussed in his life. May our lives be likewise!

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JTB, Part 4

Mustard Seed Thoughts

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 NIV

Perhaps the greatest known statement of John the Baptist is today's verse. As we conclude our examination into the character of this foreteller of Christ, we look at his most important attribute.

John the Baptist recognized who Christ was!

Remember the time the disciples came to Jesus saying that the crowd was mixed on who Jesus was? Some said John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others a prophet. Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?"; to which Peter replied, "You are the Christ!"

When we study John the Baptist, there is need for Jesus to ask that question here. John knew who Jesus was! He knew that Jesus was All in All! He knew that in order for his life to be complete, that his purpose must get out of the way, in order for the purpose of Christ to prevail!

John the Baptist saw Christ for what He is! All sufficient; All knowing; Complete! He knew that in Christ, he had everything he needed for life!

As we have seen over the last few days, John the Baptist is a Biblical character who merits our attention. He had an attitude of humility; he was not afraid to stand alone for Christ; he was focussed on his mission; and, he fully recognized who Christ is!

Do you and I have the John the Baptist view of Christ? Maybe we should put his attitude into practice today!