Module Six

John the Baptist and His Relationship with Jesus

The Forerunner of Christ.

Matthew 3. Who was John the Baptist (Luke 1: 26-39, 57-66).

Question: If Jesus was Lord, why was it necessary that John baptize Jesus?

Who Was John the Baptist?

Born to Zechariah and Elizabeth (a relative of Mary, Jesus' mother).

A prophet and preacher in the wilderness.

Known for baptizing people as a sign of repentance.

Foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Bible Reference: Luke 1:13-17 – Angel Gabriel announces John's birth.

John and Jesus’s Connection

John and Jesus were cousins.

John leaped in his mother’s womb when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth (Luke 1:41).

Both had miraculous births.

Their ministries overlapped, but John always pointed to Jesus.

John Baptizes Jesus

Jesus came to John to be baptized (Matthew 3:13-17).

John initially hesitated, recognizing Jesus’ divine nature.

After baptizing Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and God’s voice affirmed Jesus as His Son.

This marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.

John’s Role as the Forerunner

Called people to repentance.

Described himself as the “voice crying in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3, John 1:23).

Declared Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

His disciples later followed Jesus.