John the Baptist Bible Study Guide

Teaching prompt

Why does Jesus call John 'more than a prophet' (Matthew 11:9)?

Reflection

What does it look like in your own life to 'decrease' so that Jesus increases (John 3:30)?

Points to Jesus

John is the promised messenger of Malachi 3:1 — the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23). His whole vocation is to point away from himself to Jesus, 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world' (John 1:29).

Discussion questions

1. What does Gabriel say John will do, and how does it echo Malachi 4:5-6?
2. What does John say when he sees Jesus, and what does that title mean?
3. How does Jesus describe John, and what does He say about the kingdom John points to?

Scripture

• Luke 1:5-25
• Luke 1:57-80
• Matthew 3
• John 1:19-34
• Malachi 3:1
• Malachi 4:5-6