John The Baptist

John the Baptist

Q: Which of these do we associate with John the Baptist?

• a. cotton clothes, goat’s milk, and honey for food
• b. camel hair clothes, a leather belt, locusts and honey for food
• c. denim clothes and a leather belt, wine, and bread for food

John the Baptist was a man with an important job. He was the forerunner of Jesus. That means he started his ministry before Jesus did, and he told people that the Messiah would be coming. He got them ready for the Savior.

John was different from the other religious leaders of that time. Most of them were more interested in looking and acting important than in really knowing God or preparing for the coming Messiah.

John the Baptist was different in other ways too. He wore camel hair clothes and a leather belt. He ate locusts and honey. John was the first real prophet in around 400 years. He courageously proclaimed the truth and spoke out against sin. This didn’t make him very popular with some people, but other people heard his message and believed.

John stood out as different both in his lifestyle and in his message. While the religious leaders of the day were interested in impressing people, John was only concerned with impressing God. It was obvious to those around him that John lived what he believed. His faith was for real.

When you have a real faith in God, it shows in the way you live each day. It shows in how you dress and how you act. It shows in the decisions you make and the people you choose to spend time with. What does your life say about your faith?

For You

John was a light in a world that had been dark for a long time. God used him to prepare hearts for the coming Messiah, Jesus. Do you live in a way that will draw others to the Savior? If not, what changes do you need to make?

Answer: b

John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.   Matthew 3:4

(The Whole Story: Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:2-18; John 1:19-28)