John the Baptist

Scripture Passage: Matthew 3:1-6

John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus. In the Old Testament, God announced that He would send His Son to earth and that a special messenger would arrive first to prepare the world for His coming. In the Old Testament, Isaiah said that the messenger would live in the barren wilderness and tell everyone that they should repent of their sins and prepare for the Lord's arrival Men recognised John as a prophet because he was a light to light up evil things, a voice to summon men to righteousness and a signpost to point men to God.

Questions:
1. Who was preaching in the desert of Judea?
John the Baptist.
2. What was his message?
Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near.
3. Did the people respond?
People went out to him, confessing their sins, and were baptised.


Memory verse: Matthew 3:2
"Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near." (NLT)