Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
3.1 — John Prepares the Way
John Prepares the Way: John the Baptist calls people to repentance and prepares hearts for the coming ministry of Jesus Christ.
3.1 — John Prepares the Way
Repentance, Renewal, and Readiness for Jesus
Before Jesus began His public ministry, God sent John the Baptist to prepare the people.
John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
His birth had been announced by the angel Gabriel before he was born.
John grew up to become a prophet who called people to turn back to God.
He preached in the wilderness and told people to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven was near.
John’s message was direct, urgent, and powerful.
He prepared hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ.
The long silence between the Old and New Testaments had ended.
God was speaking again.
The Messiah was about to begin His ministry.
Scripture References
Matthew 3:1–12
Mark 1:1–8
Luke 3:1–18
John 1:19–34
Isaiah 40:3–5
Malachi 3:1
Malachi 4:5–6
The Story
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea preaching a message of repentance.
He told people:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
People came from Jerusalem, Judea, and the surrounding region to hear him.
John baptized people in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.
Baptism symbolized cleansing, repentance, and a new beginning.
John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey.
His appearance and message reminded people of the Old Testament prophets, especially Elijah.
Religious leaders also came to see John.
John challenged them strongly and warned them not to rely only on their religious heritage.
He told people that true repentance should produce changed lives.
John made it clear that he was not the Messiah.
He said someone greater was coming after him.
John explained that he baptized with water, but the One coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
John’s ministry prepared people to recognize Jesus.
Understanding the Story
Who Was John the Baptist?
John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God to prepare people for Jesus.
He called people to repentance, baptized them in the Jordan River, and pointed them toward the coming Messiah.
What Does “Repent” Mean?
To repent means to turn away from sin and turn toward God.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry.
It involves a change of heart, mind, direction, and behavior.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a water-based act connected to cleansing, repentance, and new life.
John’s baptism prepared people spiritually for the coming of Jesus.
Christian baptism later became connected to faith in Jesus Christ, forgiveness, new life, and belonging to the people of God.
What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?
The Kingdom of Heaven refers to God’s rule, authority, and saving work.
John announced that God’s Kingdom was drawing near because Jesus was about to begin His ministry.
Understanding Jesus
The Wilderness
The wilderness was a place of testing, preparation, dependence, and encounter with God throughout Scripture. Israel wandered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Prophets often spoke from wilderness places. John’s ministry in the wilderness reminded people that God was calling them back to repentance and renewal.
The Jordan River
The Jordan River was important in Israel’s history. God’s people crossed the Jordan when they entered the Promised Land after the wilderness journey. John baptizing people in the Jordan connected his ministry to themes of new beginnings, cleansing, and preparation.
John and Elijah
John’s Family and Early Life
John the Baptist was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, faithful worshipers who had waited many years for a child. Elizabeth was related to Mary, the mother of Jesus, making John and Jesus relatives. During Mary’s pregnancy, she visited Elizabeth, and the Bible describes John leaping within Elizabeth’s womb when Mary arrived. From the beginning, John’s life was closely connected to God’s plan surrounding Jesus Christ.
Zechariah’s Role as a Priest
John’s father, Zechariah, served as a priest in the Temple in Jerusalem. Priests helped lead worship, offer sacrifices, burn incense, and care for sacred responsibilities connected to Temple worship. John likely grew up hearing Scripture, prayers, and stories about God’s promises from an early age.
What Might John’s Childhood Have Been Like?
The Bible does not describe much about John’s childhood, but he likely grew up learning Scripture, worship traditions, and the promises about the coming Messiah. Many believe John may have spent time in wilderness regions preparing spiritually for the ministry God had called him to fulfill.
Why Did John Dress So Differently?
John wore clothing made from camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey. His appearance reflected a simple wilderness lifestyle and reminded people of Old Testament prophets like Elijah. John’s clothing and lifestyle showed separation from wealth, comfort, and religious hypocrisy.
Why the Wilderness Matters
The wilderness was often a place of preparation, testing, repentance, and encounter with God throughout Scripture. John preached in the wilderness to call people away from distractions and back toward God. His ministry echoed the voices of Old Testament prophets who called the nation to spiritual renewal.
Religious Leaders and Repentance
Connections can also be made to:
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
These resources help readers understand Jewish worship, repentance, purification, sacred seasons, and the spiritual world surrounding John’s ministry.
Key Themes
God Prepares the Way
John’s ministry prepared people for the coming of Jesus.
Repentance Matters
John called people to turn away from sin and return to God.
Humility Points to Christ
John knew he was not the Messiah.
His purpose was to point people to Jesus.
Faith Should Produce Change
John taught that repentance should be visible in the way people live.
Why This Lesson Matters
John the Baptist reminds believers that preparation matters.
Before people could fully receive Jesus’ message, they needed hearts ready to repent, listen, and respond.
This lesson also helps readers understand that faith is not only about outward religious appearance.
God desires transformed hearts and changed lives.
John’s message still speaks today.
Prepare your heart.
Turn toward God.
Make room for Jesus.
Connecting to Jesus
John’s entire ministry pointed toward Jesus Christ.
He prepared the way for the Messiah.
He announced that someone greater was coming.
John later identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John shows us that faithful ministry always points beyond ourselves and toward Christ.
Jesus is the One who brings forgiveness, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and new life.
Living the Message
John’s message invites believers to examine their hearts and turn toward God.
This week:
Ask God to show you any area where you need repentance, renewal, or a new beginning.
Spend time reading one Gospel account of John the Baptist.
Reflect on what it means to prepare your heart for Jesus.
Look for ways your faith can “bear fruit” through kindness, humility, honesty, and obedience.
Remember that your life can point others toward Christ.
Reflection Questions
Why did God send John the Baptist before Jesus began His ministry?
Possible answers:
God sent John to prepare people’s hearts, call them to repentance, and point them toward the coming Messiah.
What does repentance mean?
Possible answers:
Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God with a changed heart, mind, and direction.
Why did John baptize people in the Jordan River?
Possible answers:
John’s baptism symbolized cleansing, repentance, preparation, and a new beginning before God.
How did John show humility?
Possible answers:
John clearly said he was not the Messiah and pointed people toward Jesus, the One greater than himself.
What does it mean for faith to “bear fruit”?
Possible answers:
It means real faith should show up in changed attitudes, choices, actions, relationships, and obedience to God.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and readiness.
Reasons We Believe
John’s ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and pointed clearly toward Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Obedience in Action
Turn toward God with humility, repentance, and a willingness to be changed.
Walk It Out
Read Matthew 3 this week and ask God to help your life point others toward Jesus.
Continue Learning
Jesus Begins His Ministry:3.2 :The Baptism of Jesus
Season 3 — Jesus Begins His Ministry
The Story of Jesus Begins: 2.1:Gabriel Appears to Zechariah
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
John prepared the way.
The people were being called to repentance and renewal.
The ministry of Jesus was about to begin.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
