Sermon Notes
John the Baptist’s activity raised questions and exposed a simple truth: Not everyone’s heart is prepared for what God is doing. (John 1:19-22)
John identifies himself as someone sent to prepare hearts and minds for Jesus. (John 1:23-25)
John possesses a humble heart that is ready to receive the Lord—the kind he was sent to prepare, the kind God wants for all of us. (John 1:26-28)
John’s heart meant he saw the truth when it appeared and caused him to point Jesus out to others. People whose hearts are humble see life from God’s perspective and find their purpose in his plan. (John 1:29-34)
Discussion Questions
1. This is the first time in John’s gospel that we encounter the Pharisees and other religious leaders sent from Jerusalem, but it won’t be the last. John 12:37-43 described the religious leaders as blind and hardened of hearts. What are the characteristics of spiritual blindness and hardness of hearts? What did Isaiah see and value? (v.42) What did the leaders see and value? (v.42-43) What did they do because of what they saw? How can this help us determine who is blind and who is able to see God? What spiritual practices (or disciplines) do you do to help you see and follow Jesus more closely?
2. John the Baptist tells the Jewish leaders that Jesus is someone whose sandals he is not worthy to untie. This is an expression of humility. Read the following verses and describe what humility is: Proverbs 22:4; Philippians 2:3-8; Ephesians 4:2. Contrast the spiritual authority of John the Baptist versus that of the Pharisees. Why is this biblical standard of humility essential to leadership in the church? What happens when a church has prideful and self-centered spiritual leaders?
3. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4). Repentance means turning away from our sin. Sin is a primary obstacle in our hearts that keeps us from becoming the people God wants us to be. Before John the Baptist appeared, God had been imploring Israel to turn from its sin for centuries. Read Ezekiel 18:30-32. What does God promise if his people turn away from sin? (v.31) Describe the life change that you experienced when you repented and committed your life to Jesus?
4. In Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus turns the whole idea of greatness on its head by claiming that the greatest among them will be the servant, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. This not only ran contrary to his culture, it’s contrary to ours also. Read James 4:6. Why do you think God is so opposed to pride? In what areas in your life do you struggle with pride?
5. Read Luke 18:9-14. Jesus tells the parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector. Tax collectors were some of the most despised people in Jesus’ time, but in this instance, he is the one who leaves justified (forgiven) by God. This parable would have been a surprise to the people who heard it. What does it reveal about how we judge people’s outward appearance and how God judges the heart? Share an experience where you misjudged other people and how you realized you were wrong.