Sunday School 2025: LESSON 26: JOHN THE BAPTIST UNDER GODLY INFLUENCES

MEMORY SCRIPTURE

So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel
(Luke 1:80).

John the Baptist, forged in the wilderness, was an embodiment of the transformative power of divine calling and unwavering conviction in being prepared for godly leadership.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS

Mon. 14: Great Devotion Prepares Simeon (Lk.2:25-26)
Tue. 15: The Spirit Leads Simeon (Lk. 2:27) Wed. 16: Simeon Sees Christ Before Death (Lk. 2:28-32)
Thur. 17: Anna Prepares For The Christ (Lk. 2:36)
Fri. 18: Anna Prepares By Fasting And Praying (Lk. 2:37)
Sat. 19: Anna Gives Thanks (Lk. 2:38)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Leadership is indeed about influence; great leaders are influenced by the greatness of greater leaders.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Matthew 3:1-17; 14:4,10; Luke 1:57,68-80

The previous lesson highlights how “ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH ARE MADE RUGGED” by the effects of “growing up as Levites” and “marrying into a godly home”. We give praise to God for the profound transformation His Word has brought to our lives over time.

This week, the Holy Spirit will help to deal with the topic: “JOHN THE BAPTIST UNDER GÓDLY INFLUENCES “. The spiritual, physical, biological and parental influences that moulded his character and ministry, thereby preparing him for significant leadership responsibilities, are what the Holy Spirit is about to reveal to us. If you are prepared, then let us go and learn at His feet.

LESSON OUTLINE

  1. BY GODLY PARENTS
  2. BY GOD, IN THE WILDERNESS

LESSON EXPOSITION

BY GODLY PARENTS (Luke 1:57.68-80)

Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people”
(Lk. 1:67-68)

a) v. 57: John inherited a rich legacy of devotion to God from his family, which provided a strong spiritual foundation for his leadership.

b) Like Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5), John was raised in a home where faith was practised and passed down through generations, nurturing his spiritual growth and leadership qualities.

c) v. 68-75: John’s parents understood their roles in fulfilling God’s covenant. They instilled in him a sense of purpose and calling from an early age.

d) vv.76-79: His parents recognised John’s divine calling and actively nurtured him to fulfil his prophetic role, providing him with the necessary guidance and support.

e) John humbly submitted himself to the guidance of his parents, allowing their godly influences to shape his character and ministry, unlike Samson (Jdg. 14:1-5), who resisted parental counsel.

f) John obeyed his parents in the Lord, honouring their authority and following their guidance (Matt 15:4; Eph. 6:1-3), which contributed to his spiritual maturity and effectiveness as a leader.

BY GOD, IN THE WILDERNESS (Matthew 3:1-17;14:4,10)

In those days, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
(3:1-2)

a) 3:1-3: John the Baptist’s ministry began in the wilderness as he fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Isa. 40:3). This shows the importance of being alone with God and having a divine calling in leadership development.

b) vv. 2-4: John’s austere lifestyle and preaching of repentance in the wilderness underscored his separation from worldly distractions and his leadership in guiding spiritual transformation.

c) v. 4: His simple clothing and diet implied the sacrifices and discipline needed for leadership, with reliance on God.

d) v. 4: Enduring nardship and isolation in the wilderness helped him to discover vital spiritual treasures (Lk. 1:80), showing the place of patience and seclusion for effective leadership preparation.

e) vv. 3,11-12,13-17: His time in obscurity, like a crafted vessel in a workshop, prepared him for his prophetic role. The more consecrated we are,the more useful we become in ministry.

f) v. 6,11: As he baptised multitudes for repentance in Jordan, he recognised Jesus’ superiority and baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire — humility and divine authority in leadership.

g) 14:4,10: John’s brave confrontation of King Herod for his sin, which ultimately led to his martyrdom, highlighted his strong foundation in truth and integrity in leadership.

LESSONS DERIVED

  1. Charity begins at home, and so does leadership. The home is where every child first learns and prepares to become a great leader take good care of yours!
  2. The wilderness experience is where the most powerful and impactful leaders are birthed. Seek such encounter regularly!

QUESTIONS

  1. Explain how godly parenting helped John the Baptist become the type of leader God wanted him to be.
  2. What does the wilderness experience mean to you?

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