Jesus and John the Baptist

In the Old Testament we see God using prophets, nature, and circumstances to get the attention of His people. In Joel one of several curses or punishments was locusts. They were clearly sent because of the unrighteous nature of God’s people. While intended to turn the hearts of the people back to God to ask for help, they never turned back. Eventually the people were taken into exile by the Babylonians.

John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, wore harsh clothes of camel hair, ate locusts and wild honey. He then preached and baptize people for repentance of sins. (Mark 1:4) When confronted with his disciples leaving to follow Jesus, John would reply, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Finally to die at the whims of a offended queen. We can all agree John the Baptist endured a strange life.

Why did Jesus say, “there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist”? (John 11:11) It was because John’s life was a direct object lesson about Jesus Christ himself.

John’s wilderness points to Jesus having left heaven and entered a wilderness of sinners. The camel hair reminds us of the work Jesus did was harsh. The locusts would remind us that Jesus came to consume our curse and punishment on the cross. “Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,” Hebrews 12:2. Jesus did all of this it so that He would be the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14) required for sins and bring the honey sweet relief of sins forgiven.

Jesus is asking you to repent of your sins, follow him, become a disciple, and be baptized.
Today won’t you turn back from your sin, and turn to Jesus?

Yes. Life can be and will be harsh like camel hair clothes.
With Jesus life is like honey sweet and full of joy.