Day 2 – A Life like 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!" NKJV

John the Baptist was born with a destiny to prepare the way of the Lord by bringing people to repentance for the kingdom of heaven was near.   He was preparing their hearts for Jesus Christ by telling people to repent of their sins and be baptized.   

According to the Nelson’s Bible Dictionary, The word repentance means to turn away from sin, disobedience, rebellion and turning back to God; a changing of the mind.  In looking at these definitions John was telling the people to stop walking in their sin and disobedience but to change their heart and their mind back towards God.  He spoke truth to them in love.  I love how John was more concerned about saving their souls then offending them

John preached the gospel in the wilderness; ate locusts and honey and wore clothing made of camel hair.  He lived a simple life yet he was powerfully anointed by God to bring the gospel of Christ to many. What is also powerful is that Jesus Himself gave testimony of John. In Matthew 11:11,     

"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11-12 - NKJV

Upon Jesus sharing His testimonial He also adds a word of wisdom.  He tells them that whoever is least in the kingdom will be greater than John the Baptist.   Jesus knew their hearts and perhaps he knew they, meaning the multitude, might possibly mistake the testimony He gave about John the Baptist as being, "no one greater" THE motivation for us to be the greatest in the kingdom of  heaven - so Jesus clarifies Himself by adding that we are to be the least in the kingdom of heaven to be greater. 

This very same question comes up later in Matthew 18;5 when the disciples are disputing over who will be the greatest in Heaven and Jesus answer was, “Whoever humbles himself as a child is the greatest in the kingdom and whoever receives a child for my namesake receives me.” (Paraphrased) 

Paul shares in the New Testament that through Christ we who believe are a Holy Priesthood anointed by God through the Holy Spirit to bring the good news to all who listen.  My prayer is that we would be motivated by John the Baptist life and His death to live out our own God given destiny to glorify Him and live for Him as lights in a dark and dying world and to be willing to share the gospel of Christ to those God brings in our path with boldness and at the same time humility for the kingdom of Heaven is near.

Filoiann Wiedenhoff