John 1:6-13 (ESV)

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.

The Greatest?

The Greatest

John the Baptist’s Resume 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.

Great Missiology

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