John the Baptist: The Voice Crying Out in the Wilderness

Setting: Adult Bible Study
Length of Delivery: 40 minutes for each lesson

Name of Student: LaToya Cobb
Class: NBST 521-B03
Instructor’s Name: Dr. William Subash
Date Submitted: 03/05/2012

Lesson 1
Background of John the Baptist

Introduction

This lesson will explore John the Baptist and the prophecy of his ministry, his parents, his heritage, and family status. John the Baptist was a pioneer. He was tasked before his birth to be the way maker for Jesus Christ. In this lesson, a look will be taken at the prophetic word that went before him and how that word was carried out.

Body

I. The prophecy of John the Baptist ( Mal 3:1, Isa 40:3-5; cf. Matt 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4-6, John 1:23)

II. The parents of John the Baptist and their Heritage

A. Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke1:5-6)
B. Elizabeth’s inability to have a child (Luke1:7)
C. Zacharias and his priestly obligations (Luke 1:8-9)

III. The prophetic utterance of Gabriel the angel

A. Zacharias sees the angel and is frightened (Luke 1:11-12)
B. Gabriel tells Zacharias that his prayer has been heard, Elizabeth will bear a son (Luke 1:13)
C. Gabriel instructs them to name their son John (Luke 1:13)
D. Gabriel gives instruction that he is to be raised as a Nazirite (Luke 1:15)
E. Gabriel informs them that John will be born with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15)
F. Gabriel describes the ministry of John the Baptist (Luke 1:16-17)

IV. The promise planted and birthed

A. Elizabeth conceives a child (Luke 1:23-25)
B. Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, is informed that Elizabeth is six months pregnant by Gabriel (Luke 1:36-37)
C. Mary, the mother of Jesus, visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45, 56)
D. John the Baptist is born (Luke 1:57)
E. John the Baptist is named (Luke 1:59-63)
F. Zacharias reiterates what was told to him by Gabriel (Luke1:68-79)

Conclusion:
This lesson dealt with the prophecy and the birth of John the Baptist.

Application:
One can take from this lesson that God has a plan in mind for each person even before conception.

Lesson 2
The Ministry of John the Baptist
Introduction
This lesson presents information about the message of John the Baptist. His call for repentance and baptism prepared hearts for the Messiah that was to come through Jesus Christ. This lesson will familiarize us with how his ministry and message played a vital role in the launching of the ministry of Christ.
Body
I. The Ministry of John the Baptist

A. The beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry (Luke 3:1-3)
B. His priestly attire (Matt 3:4; cf. Mark 1:6)
C. The message of John the Baptist (Mark 1:4-5, John 3:23-24, Matt 3:1-2)
D. The correcting of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and others (Luke 3:7-14; cf. Matt 3:7-10)

II. John the Baptist points to Christ

A. John reveals his identity (John 1:6-9, John 1:19-23; cf. Matt 3:11-14)
B. John the Baptist speaks of Christ arrival (Luke 3:16-18; cf. Matt 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, John 1:15, John 1:29-30)
C. John baptizes Jesus (Matt 3:13-17; cf. Mark 1:9-13, John 1:32-34, Luke 3:21)
D. John the Baptist continues to reiterate his role versus Christ (John 3:27-35)

Conclusion:
This lesson dealt with the ministry and message of John the Baptist and the intricate role that he played in propelling the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Application:
One can take from this lesson that the role of every individual is important and contributes to the overall welfare of humanity.

Lesson 3
The Trials and Triumphs of John the Baptist
Introduction
This lesson will expound on the imprisonment, death and the accolades of John the Baptist. John the Baptist stood for the message that he believed, preached, and lived; ultimately causing him his life. This lesson will present his stand for righteousness, as well as demonstrate