JOHN, THE BAPTIZER.

      (1). Predictions concerning him. Isaiah and Malachi predicted that a "voice" should precede the Messiah, and their predictions were fulfilled in John [198] (Isa., 40:1-8; Mal., 3:1-4; 5:5, 6; Matt., 3:1-3).

      (2). Condition of Israel at his birth. At the birth of John, Israel was subject to a foreign power (Luke, 1:5-13).

      (3). Parentage. His parents were Zacharias and Elizabeth. His father was a priest of the course of Abia, and he was born in fulfillment of the prediction of the angel of God (Luke, 1:5-25, 57-79).

      (4). Early life. Nothing is known of the early life of John save that he dwelt in deserts until the beginning of his ministry (Luke, 1:80).

      (5). His mission. John was sent from God (John, 1:6) to the descendants of Abraham only (Matt., 3:1-9); and he baptized many of them in the river Jordan on the confession of their sins (Mark, 1:6).

      (6). Introduction of Jesus. He baptized Jesus in the river Jordan (Matt., 3:13-17), and afterwards introduced him to the people (John, 1:29-37).

      (7). Peculiarities of his ministry. The work of John was, (a) temporary (Matt., 3:1-3); (b) it was designed to reform the Jews by bringing them back to the law from which they had departed (Mal., 3:1-18; Matt., 3:4-12; Luke, 1:17; Gal., 3:23, 24); (c) it was restricted to the Jews (Matt., 3:4-9; Acts, 13:26); (d) he decreased as Jesus increased (John, 3:25-30); (e) his light shone but for a season (John, 5:33-35).

      (8). His doubts. John was cast into prison, and upon hearing of the works of Jesus he sent to inquire of Him if He were really the Christ. Jesus sent him word that the blind received their sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised up, the poor heard the gospel, and [199] pronounced a benediction upon his friends (Matt., 11:1-6).

      (9). Testimony of Jesus concerning him. Jesus declared that no greater man than John had been born of woman, yet He assured His disciples that the most insignificant in his kingdom would be greater than he (Matt., 11:6-15).

      (10). Imprisonment and death. John rebuked Herod for an adulterous marriage and as a consequence he was imprisoned and finally beheaded (Matt., 14:1-12).

      (11). Important fact. John lived and died under the law of Moses. During his life the temple service was carried on as it had been from of old. The great design of his work was to prepare the people, to whose fathers He had been promised, for the reception of the Lord.

[CBC 198-200]