That the ministries of John the Baptist as herald, priest and prophet would be surpassed by those of Jesus as Savior, Son of Man, and Son of GOD is considered, today. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” using the ID “Mike” (Level 1 with 4 points, a member since April 13, 2014) posted the following:
What did the baptized John mean by he must increase, but I must decrease?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (John 1: 24-34, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Baptist and The Tishbite? (02/18/2015); A Formula for Baptism? (06/30/2014); Jesus and the Pharisees (07/14/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013); Scripture at Funerals? (04/30/2013); “Authorized Personnel Only” (03/13/2013); Before Abraham Was… (03/14/2013)
“Mike”, here are some points from the sacred knowledge collected as the Bible that may clarify the teaching here:
(1.) John the Baptist was commissioned by Deity through his miraculous birth to an elderly woman who was the wife of a priest among the Jews, and who had lived barren (unable to have children). While still in his mother’s womb, and before his actual birth, John responded as being filled with the imparted spirit from GOD (we say, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy).
(2.) Instead of continuing on a career path that might see him installed as the High Priest, John left the Temple community at Jerusalem, where he had been raised on “holy ground,” and had been nourished eating and drinking only what was the holy portion for the priests and their families from the offerings, sacrifices, tithes, and gifts of the altar.
(3.) Acknowledging historical teachings and prophesies recorded among the Jews, John began a unique public ministry, preaching repentance for sin, and performing baptisms (we say, cleansing, washing). Because of that work, John was respected by many and given the name “the Baptist.”
(4.) No prophet had appeared for more than 400 years in the mold and pattern of such men as Malachi, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Samuel or Moses. John would be acknowledged as a fulfillment of divine promise as well as a prophet by those who accepted John as the herald spoken of in Scripture who would announce the presence of a divine emissary from Deity, the Messiah (we also say, Christ, the Anointed One).
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) John performed no miracles, yet, many believed he, in fact, was the one that should come as sent by GOD to deliver the chosen people from the peculiar bondage of poverty, Rome, and sin. John used baptism as a device to draw the unknown person to himself who would be sent from GOD to carry out the exalted spiritual duties of Messiah. John denied that he himself was the One Sent. Through operations of the Holy Spirit, when Jesus of Nazareth appeared for baptism, John gave testimony (we say, witness) that Jesus is the Son of GOD. The divine revelation further indicated that the ministry of Jesus would begin, and that John’s work was effectually finished.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment