The Example of John the Baptist

Season 3 Episode 4 -- I have always thought that John the Baptist, who heralded the appearing of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, was a very interesting Bible character.  But did you know that there are lessons we can learn from this man, and many ways that we should follow the example of John and prepare the way of the Lord in our generation?  Listen and find out! 

"Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!
 
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Resources that inspired some episodes:

"Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL 

"My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis

Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository 

"Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
"e-Sword" (Bible study software)
This study tool includes many free (and low-cost) resources, including Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and devotionals.  It allows you to simultaneously view verses and their corresponding cross-references, lexicon entries, commentaries, and more.
On your computer, go to e-sword.net
On your mobile device, go to your app store and search for “e-sword.” 

Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
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Transcript

I recently came across an excellent teaching by Brian Simmons on the ways we should follow the example of John the Baptist and, like John, prepare the way of the Lord in our generation.  The following is an excerpt from that teaching.  [Indented text is a direct quote.]

Before Jesus ever stepped into public ministry… God raised up a man named John—clothed in humility, burning with truth, and set apart for one sacred task: to prepare the way of the Lord.  

Not because John performed miracles.  Not because he built a movement.  But because he understood his assignment, spoken long before by the prophet Isaiah:  “The voice of him who cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of Jehovah…” (Isaiah 40:3a MKJV)

And the call echoes again [today].  The Lord is not merely looking for gifted people—He is looking for a prepared people.

Simmons then gives us some specific ways we should follow John the Baptist’s example and prepare the way of the Lord in our generation:

1. Heal the Generational Divide

Before Jesus returns, something sacred must be restored:

Malachi 4:5-6a HCSB  Look, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome Day of the LORD comes.  (6)  And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.

John the Baptist carried this Elijah anointing—restoring relational bridges long broken by pride, pain, and misunderstanding. Revival does not begin with platforms; it begins at tables. Healing between generations releases wisdom, stability, and spiritual continuity.

To be like John, we should heal the generational divide.

2. Return to the Wisdom of the Righteous

[John’s mission was] “to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous (Luke 1:17b NIV).”

Revival is not built on novelty—it is anchored in wisdom.

True preparation means recovering reverence for God’s Word, honoring spiritual elders, and learning from those who have walked faithfully before us. Even Jesus, the Son of God, sat among teachers, listening and learning (see Luke 2:46–49).  Those who prepare the way do not rush ahead of wisdom—they walk with it.

To be like John, we should return to the wisdom of the righteous.

3. Embrace Humility Over the Spotlight

Humility creates space for glory. John never promoted himself. He didn’t seek recognition. He pointed away from himself and toward Christ.

[Throughout history,] God has revealed Himself to the lowly [and humble]:

·         To shepherds watching sheep at night

·         To Simeon waiting in hope

·         To Anna fasting in quiet devotion

Humility is heaven’s invitation. When we stop chasing visibility, we become visible to God.

Jesus confirmed this in His prayer:  “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.” (Matthew 11:25 NLT)

To prepare the way of the Lord, we should embrace humility over the spotlight.

4. Accept the Long Preparation of God

John spent decades in obscurity for a ministry that lasted months.  [So did Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, and others.]  Yet nothing was wasted.

God often prepares His vessels in hidden places—where no applause exists, but deep roots are formed. Character is forged where no one is watching…  The wilderness is not punishment; it is preparation.  

To prepare the way of the Lord, we should accept the long preparation of God.

5. Point Everything Back to Jesus

John never lost sight of his purpose.  He said of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 NASB)

Revival does not come through personalities—it comes through presence – [specifically, the presence of Jesus]. When Jesus is exalted, everything aligns. When He becomes central, hearts awaken.

The truest measure of spiritual maturity is not how many follow us—but how clearly we point others to Christ.

Like John the Baptist, we should point everything back to Jesus.

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”