Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- Which religious authorities try to control the church today, and are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees?
- Share within your group your own testimony to Jesus Christ, remembering that testimony points away from you, to Jesus.
- How important is John the Baptist to the traditions of the Christian Church, and what can we learn from His testimony?
As this day unfolds, Lord God, Your love unfolds like an opening flower; revealing ever more depths of colour, hue and saturation. May we not benefit from a mere snapshot of Your faithful loving-kindness, but from a high-definition movie of Your magnificent grace! Through Jesus Christ we pray, AMEN
Topis covered by this text
- Being faithful
- Baptism and its meaning
- Pointing to Jesus
Personal comments by author:
I greatly admire John’s ability to stand against the Pharisees, because it is strongly implied elsewhere that in later times even Pharisees came to John for baptism (see Matthew 3:7f.). This suggests that by being straight and not dodging the questions thrown at him, John was able to have a successful ministry and also remain faithful to his call. Many people find it impossible to remain faithful to their call and maintain a ministry at the same time because they feel compromised by the circumstances they face. John can help us face such difficulties.
Ideas for exploring discipleship
- What is it that prevents you from pursuing active witness to your faith? Pray and ask the Lord to help you face your difficulties, and if necessary, ask others to help you.
- Think about the issue of baptism, and what it means to you and your church. Are there people within the church who would appreciate the opportunity to be baptised, but who have not yet been baptised? Discuss this with others.
Please refer to the general advice on the page ‘discipleship challenges’
The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!