What was the purpose of John's baptism? by John MacArthur

Faith and Theology: Dr. John MacArthur Q&A

Day 9 of 21 What was the purpose of John's baptism? The Gospels all introduce John the Baptist's ministry by quoting Isaiah 40.3 (see Matt. 3.3; Luke 3.4; John 1.23). John was called "My messenger" (Mark 1.2), the divinely promised messenger, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. In ancient times, a king's envoys would travel ahead of him, making sure the roads were safe and fit for him to travel on, as well as announcing his arrival. As the last Old Testament prophet and the divinely ordained forerunner of the Messiah, John was the culmination of Old Testament history and prophecy (Luke 16.16) as well as the beginning of the historical record of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not surprisingly, Jesus designated John as the greatest man who had lived until his time (Matt. 11.11). John's baptism, being the distinctive mark of his ministry (Mark 1.4), differed from the ritual Jewish washings in that it was a one-time act. The Jews performed a similar one-time washing of Gentile proselytes, symbolizing their embracing of the true faith. That Jews would participate in such a rite was a startling admission that they needed to come to God through repentance and faith just like Gentiles. Luke 3:4 NKJV 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord ; Make His paths straight. Isaiah 40:3 NKJV 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord ; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. Matthew 3:3 NKJV 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord ; Make His paths straight.’ ” John 1:23 NKJV 23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord ,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” Mark 1:2 NKJV 2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” Luke 16:16 NKJV 16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. Matthew 11:11 NKJV 11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Mark 1:4 NKJV 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.