Methods of John the Baptist: Matthew 3:4-10
“4) Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5) Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; 6) and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. 7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8) Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; 9) and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10) The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:4-10
There is no doubt that John was a unique man. He came from the wilderness and preached in remote regions. His message focused on repentance.
His dressed in leather garments made from camel’s hair with a leather belt about his waste. He may have looked a bit like the prophet Elijah and had the same direct message. He definitely preached with authority and confronted sin and compromise with no respect for persons.
His diet was also odd. He lived on locusts and wild honey. Some believe this related to the locust plant and not grasshoppers. Whatever the case, his looks and mannerisms were more barbaric than civilized.
So why the great success? Why were people attracted to Him? I believe there were three unique characteristics about John.
First, he was uniquely himself. He didn’t try becoming someone he was not. He was comfortable with his own persona.
Second, his preaching was biblical, authoritative and persuasive. He did not mince words or sound like the Pharisees. He was very direct.
Finally, he was totally dependent on the Holy Spirit. He came in the spirit and power of Elijah. His relationship with God and dependency on God was his spiritual secret. I would place his prayer life in this category as well. He was a man of God.
Though seldom talked about in modern methodology classes, the above three characteristics of John the Baptist are crucial. I place huge weight on these points. There is no short cut to Spiritual fruitfulness.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
