Matthew 3: 13-15 At the height of John’s baptismal & preaching ministry, Jesus comes to John to be baptized; therefore receiving the “blessing of the Forerunner” and beginning the passing of the torch to Jesus.

Matthew 3: 16-17 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment Heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”

After baptizing Jesus (and realizing that He is John 1: 29-34 After baptizing Jesus (and realizing that He is the Messiah), John testifies to those who will listen that Jesus is “the lamb of God” & “the Son of God.”

John 1: 35-39 The following day, John the Baptist again refers to Jesus as “The Lamb of God” as he passed by. This leads to two of John’s disciples to start following Jesus.

being baptized (by Jesus’ disciples…4:2)! John 3: 22-30 John gets alerted to the fact that many of his followers are going over to see Jesus, since He’s in the area…and are even being baptized (by Jesus’ disciples…4:2)! John states that he is joyful to have completed his mission and that is time for him to take on a lesser role so that Jesus’ spotlight can shine brighter.

Matthew 14: 3-13 After refusing to be silent about the sin of Herod Antipas taking his sister-in-law as his wife, John was imprisoned and then eventually executed.

“Wisdom from the Wilderness” 1.) Make Jesus your 1st priority, not your last resort. 2.) Use your voice for truth & justice. 3.) Don’t argue with the timing or the “properness” of God’s Plan. 4.) Be joyful to be a part of God’s Mission, no matter what your part is. 5.) Build relationships with the goal of pointing people to the Son of God.

“Come Just As You Are” Come just as you are Hear the Spirit call Come just as you are Come and see….Come receive Come and live forever