Matthew 11:1–19; Luke 7:18–35. John the Baptist

Another week of the New Testament! This time it might be repetitive since I already talked about John the Baptist, but that is okay. This block had to do with Matthew 11:1-19 and Luke 7:18-35. It will make more sense if you read the scriptures before you embark on my ramblings :)


What did the two disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus Christ? “Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?”

The Savior told them to go back to John and tell what they saw and heard. After reading these accounts, explain things you would have told John if you had been with those two men. The Savior told John’s disciples to tell John certain things. I would tell John that Christ performs miracles, and that he is indeed the Son of God.

Explain why John wanted his disciples to go to Jesus Christ. John wanted his disciples to learn for themselves that Christ was the Messiah. John had told them several months before to follow Jesus because he was the Savior, but some of his disciples were reluctant. John gave them a question to ask Jesus as a learning experience for them, not him. John wanted to make sure they knew that he was a prophet, but Christ was the Son of God.

What did the Savior say about John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11 and Luke 7:28? Christ said that there was no greater prophet than John. The student manual says, “Whom did Jesus have reference to as being the least? Jesus was looked upon as having the least claim in God’s kingdom, and [seemingly] was least entitled to their credulity as a prophet; as though He had said— ‘He that is considered the least among you is greater than John—that is I myself.’”

Provide three reasons given by Joseph Smith why John the Baptist is considered among the greatest prophets.

• He was entrusted with preparing the way before the face of the Lord
• His mission was to baptize Jesus Christ
• John was the only legal administrator of the priesthood keys at this time

What does John 3:30 suggest about John the Baptist and his attitude toward the Savior? Briefly describe how we could apply a similar attitude in our own lives. This verse says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This shows that John the Baptist knew that Christ was the Messiah. John knew that since Christ had come, John’s mission was to direct people towards Christ and not take the limelight. John was completely selfless and only concerned about others’ salvation. I know that we can look at the eternal perspective and try to be selfless too. Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment we don’t see the right perspective, but let’s be like John.