THE BAPTISM OF JOHN

MARK 1:4-8 THE BAPTISM OF JOHN

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick


I. John's Baptism for repentance and the people's response.

    A. There were earlier patterns of baptism, this was not a new practice. This baptism was indicative of sins acknowledged and repented (turned away from).

    B. It is not a cleansing ritual, but a symbol of sins repented and forgiven; according to the Scripture, sin is for real, "for all have sinned".

    It's also clear that repentance needs further evidence, beyond baptism. Note Luke's account in Luke 3:7-14.

    C. Amazing! People went to John. Why would they leave their town/village/city to go to the wilderness area to be scolded?

    In part, they recognized that this was a prophet. Earlier prophets had also been identified with the wilderness.

    Also, there is in all of us an inner awareness of sin and a need for a hopeful message of forgiveness.

    D. Where did this take place? In the Jordan river (on the west bank, just north of where the river flows into the Dead Sea, not far from where the children of Israel crossed into Canaan.)

II. John's Person

    A. He was second cousin to Jesus - Mary's cousin Elizabeth's son. (Note Luke's story of Zechariah the priest's temple experience.)

    B. He had unusual clothing and diet, at least for city folk.

      1. This denotes a simple life-style in devotion to his task, trusting in God's provision as did the children of Israel in the wilderness journey.

      2. His style was particularly reminiscent of the prophet Elijah.

      3. He wore "camel's hair" - the kind of clothing still worn by the common laborer.

      4. He ate "honey". Remember, the "Promised Land" was called "a land flowing with milk and honey". Bees were common in the openings of the rocks and trees.

      5. And John also ate "locusts". These were, and still are esteemed as a delicacy. Listen to this description:

      "After tearing off the legs and wings, and taking out the entrails, they stick them in long rows upon wooden spits, roast them at the fire, and then proceed to devour them with great zest. There are also other ways of preparing them. For example: they cook them and dress them in oil; or having dried them, they pulverize them, and, when other food is scarce, make bread of the meal. The Bedouins pack them with salt in close masses, which they carry in their leathern sacks. From these they cut slices as they may need them. One traveller asked an Arab in Egypt to eat a locust - he threw a handful on the glowing coals; and after he supposed they were roasted enough, he took them by the legs and head, and devoured the remainder in one mouthful. However, they are never served up as a dish, but a handful is taken whenever one is hungry."

      For John to be known as eating locusts, suggests that he is identified among the poorest of the people.

III. John's Presentation

    A. He was to announce the Messiah to come.

      1. He would be more powerful, and.

      2. Be worthy of special honor (John didn't think he was even worthy to serve Him).)

    B. Baptism in water would then be replaced with baptism with Spirit. What is this Spirit Baptism?

      1. Jesus before ascending, prepared his disciples for this, fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost and subsequent occurrences.

      2. In water baptism, Water is the substance into which people are immersed by John the agent. In Holy Spirit baptism, Holy Spirit is the substance into which people are immersed by Christ the agent.

      3. With repentance baptism, sins are acknowledged and forgiven. With Spirit baptism, power is provided to enable us to overcome sin's power and live a righteous life. We accept both baptisms (Acts 19).

Conclusion:

    1. Can we still hear the message of the prophet?

    2. Perhaps today he will again come in unusual garb and practice.

    3. But the call is still there - The Messiah is here, and He is still baptizing!

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