John the Baptist was a prophet who lived in the desert. He told the people that the Messiah was almost there. John the Baptist also baptized people in the Jordan River, and he even baptized Jesus. Watch this John the Baptist video from Buck Denver Asks … What’s in the Bible? Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News! (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John).
PHIL
John the Baptist lived in the desert, wore clothes made from itchy camel hair, and ate bugs and honey.
CHUCK WAGGIN
Well THAT’S kinda weird.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LADY
Remember “staring at a brick” and “eating dirty dung food?” Most prophets did pretty weird things.
CHUCK WAGGIN
Good point. Sounds like a prophet to me!
PHIL
People were very excited about a new prophet showing up – so they ran out to the desert to see for themselves! John told them to repent of their sins and return to God!
CHUCK WAGGIN
To “repent” means to turn away from the bad things you do – to walk away from them.
PHIL
As a sign of their repentance, he baptized them in the river! Cut to Clive and Ian.
IAN
Is that why we call him John the Baptist?
CLIVE
You’ve got that right!
PHIL
People were so excited, some came to John and asked, “Are YOU the Messiah?” John said he wasn’t the Messiah, but he had a very special message! He said, “I baptize you with water – but one is coming who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” The Spirit of God! John the Baptist was announcing that the Messiah was almost there!
