Emmanuel's Forerunner

Jesus Christ had a forerunner, a herald of hope and warning - John the Baptist. Though his career was God-ordained and unique, we too are Christ’s messengers in the midst of a corrupt and apathetic generation, ‘preparing the way of the Lord,’ calling the lost to repentance and faith.


Sermon Outline:
I. John’s miraculous birth will demonstrate the power
and initiative of God to bring into the world people to accomplish his purposes.
II. John’s role was to prepare people to encounter Christ and His message
III. Like John, we who are in Christ are His forerunners.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Why was it important that John’s birth was miraculous?

2. Did Christ really need a forerunner?

3. Bearing in mind the last verse of the prophet Malachi, what does it mean that John will ‘turn the hearts of the fathers to the children?’

4. Though it seldom happens in Scripture, the angel here reveals his name. What is the significance of Gabriel’s self-identification?

5. John is closely identified with the prophet Elijah. Compare and contrast their prophetic careers.

6. How did John the Baptist ready the people of Israel to receive the message of Christ?