Student’s Guide
Discussion Questions: “John the Baptist’s Ministry”
1. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness. (Read the verses outlined in red: Matthew 3:1-2, Mark 1:4, and Luke 3:3) What did John the Baptist mean in Matthew 3:2, when he said “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight: (Read the verses outlined in gray: Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 3:4-5, and John 1:23) In what passage(s) did Isaiah prophesied “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight”? ___________________________________________________________
3. John the Baptist clothing and diet. (Read the verses outlined in green: Matthew 3:4, and Mark 1:6) Why did John the Baptist wear clothes made in camel’s hair, only a leather belt and eat locust with wild honey? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the difference between Matthew 3:1-2, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3; and (Read the verses outlined in blue: Matthew 3:5-6, and Mark 1:5) Matthew 3:5-6, Mark 1:5 of John the Baptist preaching the good news?
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5. Brood Vipers. (Read the verses outlined in purple: Matthew 3:7 and Luke 3:7) Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees and Sadducee as “Brood of vipers!”? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Trees that don’t bear good fruit are cut down and thrown into the fire. (Read the verses outlined in black: Matthew 3:8-10 and Luke 3:8-9) What does it mean, “the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Sandals not worthy to carry. (Read the verses outlined in dark red: Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7, Luke 3:16 and John 1:27) Why is John the Baptist not worthy enough to carry the sandals of the One who is to come?
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8. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Read the verses outlined in dark red: Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16) What is the difference between being baptized with water and being baptized with the Holy Spirit? And fire? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. The unquenchable fire. (Read the verses outlined in orange: Matthew 3:12, and Luke 3:17) In Matthew 3:12 and Luke 3:17, What is John referring to when he states He will gather up His wheat into the barn and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Did Jesus need to be baptized? (Read the verses outlined in gray: Matthew 3:14-15) John the Baptist tries to have Jesus baptize him. However, Jesus states “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. Then John the Baptist, baptizes Jesus.” Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Jesus had no sin. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. John the Baptist announces Jesus as the Lamb of God. (Read verses outlined in pink: John 1:29-31). What is the significance of Jesus being called “The Lamb of God?” ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. Jesus is baptized. (Read the verses outlined in yellow: Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:9-11 and Luke 3:21-22) How was Jesus baptized? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove on Jesus. Why did the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Who was the voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. John the Baptist announce Jesus as the Lamb of God. (Read verses outlined in light green: John 1:32-34. What is significance of John the Baptist saying Jesus is the Son of God? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bonus Question: Was John the Baptist and Jesus related? If so, how? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________