You Need a John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1–2)
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’" – Matthew 3:1–2
Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom with a clear and consistent message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” To repent means to change specifically, to change one’s thinking and consciousness. The kingdom of heaven offers unlimited possibilities available to every person as a child of God, created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus did not originate this message independently. He continued the very message that John the Baptist had already preached. John served as predecessor, forerunner, and teacher. Even before Jesus was born, John was already in position. Elizabeth, John’s mother, was six months pregnant when Mary conceived Jesus. These cousins developed simultaneously, with John ahead in birth order even in the womb.
God establishes a John the Baptist for every person, a spiritual leader, mentor, teacher, or covering who goes ahead and helps prepare the way. No one outgrows the need for guidance from someone who knows more, sees further, and assists in developing God-given destiny. Heaven and earth must align; what God declares in the heavenly realm requires earthly witness. Everyone needs a John the Baptist.
Firstly: John the Baptist Prepared the Way
John the Baptist prepared the way by readying human consciousness for ministry. His work went beyond physical preparation; it involved shifting awareness. Scripture reminds us that one plants, another waters, but God gives the increase. John preached in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and to produce fruit worthy of that repentance, declaring that the ax was laid at the root of the tree.
As the voice crying in the wilderness, John fulfilled prophecy by declaring, “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.” Distinct in appearance, wearing camel’s hair, a leather belt, and eating locusts and wild honey, John stood as a trailblazer. Each of us stands on the shoulders of those who prepared the way before us.
Someone prepared the way for the freedoms we now enjoy, homes, businesses, education, voting rights, and opportunities. Take time to identify and thank God for the John the Baptists who set the tone and made your progress possible.
Secondly: John the Baptist Preached to Jesus
Jesus not only preached, He also received preaching. Many desire to teach but resist being taught. Jesus heard John’s message first. Matthew 3:2 records John preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 shows Jesus preaching the same message.
Jesus submitted to John’s leadership and was baptized, though He was sinless, to fulfill all righteousness. John initially hesitated, recognizing Jesus’ greater destiny, but Jesus insisted, saying, “Suffer it to be so now.” In humility, Jesus submitted decently and in order.
A son or daughter may exceed the parent, yet still builds upon the foundation laid. Growth requires submission to preaching, teaching, and instruction even when it challenges us. Sit under consistent guidance to unfold higher consciousness and advance in ministry, business, education, technology, or economics.
Thirdly: John the Baptist Pushed Jesus
John the Baptist pushed Jesus forward by calling forth what others could not yet see. Empowerment draws out potential that often reveals itself through another’s discernment. John declared, “There comes One after me whose fan is in His hand… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John publicly identified Jesus before the world knew Him, proclaiming, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” People cannot effectively promote themselves others do it better. Destiny requires a support system that prepares, prays, and pushes.
John laid hands on Jesus, transferring anointing and sending Him forth properly covered and trained. Recognize and bless those who prepare you, preach truth to you, push you forward, pray for you, and offer objective counsel.
Conclusion
Jesus had a John the Baptist, and every follower needs one as well. Thank God for the mentors, leaders, and voices who prepared your path, preached truth, pushed your potential, prayed over you, and participated in generational transfer. Recognition unlocks promotion and advances you into the next dimension of purpose.
📖 Reflection: Who has God placed in your life as a “John the Baptist,” and how are you responding to their guidance?
💡 Action Step: Take time today to thank and honor a spiritual mentor who helped prepare or propel you forward.
Comments
Post a Comment