This week, we turn our attention to one of the most significant figures in salvation history: John the Baptist.

John is often remembered by his title, he was far more than just “the Baptist.” His life reveals three defining realities that help us understand why God used him so powerfully.

1. The Miracle

John’s story begins with a miracle. His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were righteous, faithful, and well advanced in years, yet childless. In Scripture, barrenness often sets the stage for God’s intervention, and John’s birth follows that same divine pattern.

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”
— Luke 1:13

John’s birth wasn’t just unexpected, it was heaven breaking centuries of silence. God had not raised up a prophet since Malachi, nearly 400 years earlier. When John was born, both the physical silence of his father and the spiritual silence of heaven were shattered.
His name, John, means “God is gracious.” His very life declared that truth.

“A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’”
— Isaiah 40:3

John wasn’t just a miracle from God, he was a message about God.
And for anyone who feels like God has been silent, this story is a reminder: we don’t believe in a day of miracles, but in a God of miracles. Even in silence, God is still working.

2. The Baptism

John’s ministry is inseparable from baptism, but not in the way many expected.

“John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
— Mark 1:4

While ritual cleansing was already common in Jewish life, John’s baptism carried a deeper meaning. This was not just about washing, it was about repentance, a turning of the heart and mind toward God in preparation for the coming Messiah.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
— Matthew 3:2

John’s baptism pointed forward. It prepared people not just to be cleansed, but to be changed.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me… will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
— Matthew 3:11

Today, we still follow that example, not looking ahead to Jesus, but responding to who He already is. Baptism remains a powerful declaration of repentance, surrender, and new life in Christ.

3. The Witness

At the heart of John’s life was his greatest calling: to bear witness to Jesus.

“He came as a witness… that all might believe through him.”
— John 1:7

Everything John did led to this moment.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
— John 1:29

This declaration was intentional. John didn’t highlight Jesus’ power, authority, or miracles. He pointed to the cross. The world is sinful. Every one of us falls short. And yet, God provided a solution. Jesus is the Lamb, the fulfillment of the Passover, the spotless sacrifice whose blood alone can save.

“You were ransomed… with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
— 1 Peter 1:18–19

And John’s call echoes through history to us today: Behold Him.

That is the heart of Christmas, not just a baby in a manger, but a Savior on a cross.

A Call to Action

This Christmas season, the question is simple but eternal:

Have you beheld Jesus?

Not just admired Him. Not just acknowledged Him. But trusted Him.

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Jesus is still saving. And this Christmas, He is still revealing Himself.

If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.