What are people looking for when they went to John the baptist, for a reed shaken in the wind? When looking for the reeds shaken in the wind, we look at someone that went crazy. The only other person wearing camel hair is Elijah.
Testimony of John the baptist
9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
People thought that John the baptist was Jesus – that says a lot about the authority and the type of person that John the baptist was. If you’re looking for someone who is dressed in soft raiment/attractiveness, you won’t find John the baptist. If you’re looking for someone who makes you feel good/nice, you won’t find John the baptist. If you’re looking for salvation, you’re not going to find it in a baby. You’re going to find it in a bloody, beaten up man.
The words that we don’t like to hear are like Hell and Sin. So the false teachers will dress well (clothes in soft raiment) and has a lot of money. They won’t touch on the words that the world doesn’t like to hear. You won’t get truth or the word of God. What were you expecting to see when you went out in the wilderness to see John the baptist?
John the baptist eats locusts and honey
In the bible, the first time locusts appear was because of the judgement that God had on Egypt. The first time honey appeared was an appeasement of judgement. John the baptist appears to be a balanced character. God did not choose the important, the rich and the special to be His messenger to preach about Jesus Christ, the lamb of God.
Jesus Christ gave a high praise to John the Baptist: Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. He’s never said this about anyone else.
3 points about John the baptist
John has some humility to do what God has called him to do. He was not going to get any attention and appreciation. 6 months of ministry and then he goes to jail. It may be a little thing, but God knows what we have done: Do not despise the day of small things. John doesn’t want the spotlight/attention. We usually want to be the bride/bridegroom. John recognized that his position was of service. He was happy as long as Christ was happy.
John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
John was harmonized with Jesus Christ. He preached the same message that Jesus Christ preached. God wants unity in the body of Christ and God hates someone who sows discord in the body of Christ. Don’t be the weak point in the church.
John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
This is what John preached:
John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John’s humanity. He has doubts, fears and uncertainties. Watch what happens when we honestly bring our doubts and fears to the Lord? Jesus was compassionate and replied with “what’s supposed to happen according to the bible is happening. Blessed is he who is not offended because of me.” When we face the Lord, all we’ll want is for our Lord Jesus to say that we’ve done well and according to His will. What people think of us and how they treat us is immaterial.