John the Baptist

John the Baptist is an extremely significant biblical character for a number of reasons. First of all, he represents the first message from God to His people in about 400 years, going back to the return from exile. A lot happened between Malachi and the time John came on the scene, especially the unfolding of the prophecies in Daniel, but God had no new messages for His people during that time. Secondly, this messenger from God was in fulfillment of prophecy in at least two ways. Isaiah said that one would come and be a voice in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3), and Malachi said that Elijah would return before the great and terrible day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 11:14). Finally, the content of John’s message revolved around two things: the kingdom of God was near (Matthew 3:2) and that Jerusalem’s judgment was fast approaching (Matthew 3:7-12). When Jesus began His ministry, He preached the same truths as John, building on the foundation that John laid, all of which was based in Scripture.