John the Baptist is a compelling figure. He commands our respect and deserves our attention. Through the author's reading and studying of God’s word, he has been drawn to this man who feared neither Herod Agrippa, nor Herodias, nor the religious leaders of the day. He has been drawn to this man who was so unsparing of the Pharisees and Sadducess (Matt. 3:7), yet so kind to the “sinners” who came to him (Lk. 3:12ff.). His sincerity and forthrightness leap from the page, as does his humility and austere example. He is unique amongst the servants of God and he received the highest possible praise from Jesus.

Chapter One: The Power of Prayer
In this chapter, we will discuss the circumstances of John’s birth and the role that prayer played in those events. It is my hope that this chapter will impact the prayer life of readers.

Chapter Two: John and the Religious Authorities
Like Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal, John confronted the religious leaders of his day. In particular, John confronted the materialism of those leaders. It is my hope that this chapter will help readers cope with the rampant materialism of the present age.

Chapter Three: John and the Secular Rulers
It was not only the Pharisees and Sadducees who incurred John’s wrath; he also confronted the secular rulers, such as Herod Antipas and Herodias. It is my hope that by seeing how solitude, stillness, and reflection prepared John to confront the most powerful people in his world, we will be prompted to make those spiritual disciplines a key part of our spiritual preparation.

Chapter Four: John’s Baptism
John’s institution of baptism reflected a variety of contexts: social, historical, political, and religious. By understanding these contexts we can better comprehend the meaning of John’s baptism. Furthermore, John’s baptism was “a baptism of repentance”. Therefore, it is imperative that we reflect on the meaning of repentance and the way in which we approach repentance in our own lives. What does John teach us about our course of action when we “sin and fall short of the glory of God”?

Chapter Five: John’s Teaching
John taught many profound things. Specifically, John taught about the disciple being baptized in water, fire, and Holy Spirit. By exploring the meaning that this had for the apostles of the First century and the disciples of the Twenty-first century, we find comfort in John’s teaching. This chapter prompts the reader to reflect on what it means for the disciple to be baptized by water, fire, and Holy Spirit.

Chapter Six: Jesus and John the Baptist
John and Jesus were related by blood and through the Divine plan and purpose. This chapter explores the family connection between Mary/Jesus and Elizabeth/John. The chapter also examines the interconnected roles that Jesus and John played (e.g., friend of the bridegroom/bridegroom, lamp/sun, ambassador/king, etc.) in fulfilling God’s plan.

Chapter Seven: “He Must Increase and I Must Decrease”
This chapter explores the key relationship between John and Jesus. John willingly deferred to Jesus, assuming the role of a disciple. John recognized that he would forfeit his very life so that Jesus would be magnified. It is hoped that this exploration of John’s discipleship will move readers to examine their own discipleship.