Dancing in the Kingdom- Table of Contents
Dancing In the Kingdom – Part 2 – The Kingdom Revealed – Chapter 11 – The Kingdom Enters
John the Baptist (Immerser)
[Bible references: Matthew 3:1-3; 11:2-19; Luke 1:5-80; 3:1-20]
The precursor to Jesus coming was John the Baptist. John was born to a couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, six months earlier than Jesus was born. Like the couples Abraham and Sarah and Elkanah and Hannah before them, Zechariah and Elizabeth also gave birth to children when they were normally considered to be too elderly to have children. When Zechariah was told by the angel, Gabriel, about the coming birth of his son (who would be named John), Zechariah had trouble believing the message. The resulting discipline given to Zechariah was being unable to speak. This discipline was used to convince Zechariah and others about the miraculous nature of John’s birth. John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare Israel for the ministry of Jesus. John’s preaching and baptizing ministry began before Jesus started his ministry and continued until Herod the tetrarch arrested John.
Reflect
While Zechariah became temporarily mute as a matter of discipline for him, it also seemed to increase the awe of John’s birth for everyone else. What types of things increase awe for you?
Observe
Read Matthew 11:2-19. Why do you think John had questions about Jesus?
Dancing In The Kingdom 