John the Baptist

John the Baptist "did no miracle", but magnificently fulfilled his assignment in bearing testimony of Jesus Christ.  A vigorous preacher, John taught many principles and doctrines of the gospel, and fill his mission in every particular.

Read Luke 1:14 and write what Zacharias was told about the birth of his son, John the Baptist.

• ·         John will bring happiness to his and Elisabeth’s life
• ·         Others will be grateful he is born
• ·         He will change lives

Study Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 56-80, and the Bible Dictionary entry:  “John the Baptist”.  Write a paragraph summarizing the reasons people would rejoice over John the Baptist’s birth and mission.

Two of the most important people in John the Baptist’s life are his parents.  We read in the first set of scriptures that an angel comes to tell Zacharias that his prayers are heard and that he and his wife will have a son that will not only bring them joy and gladness, but others as well.  That gave them great cause to rejoice, knowing that their son would be a great missionary and great in the sight of God.  In the next set of scriptures is when Mary visits Elisabeth.  By the context, we can see that there was definitely something special not only between them, but between the unborn babies.  I don’t know what was happening between the two Spirits, but there was obvious rejoicing.  When Zacharias is finally able to speak again, many people are astonished and spread word of what had happened.  They were in awe and attributed it to the baby and knew that he was blessed of the Lord.  All those who heard Zacharias testify that his child shall be a prophet to prepare the way for the Messiah had reason enough to rejoice in his birth and what he would do.  In the Bible Dictionary, we read that Isaiah had prophesied of his coming and mission.  John tutored others that would become apostles to Jesus.  In these respects, we have every reason to rejoice because he fulfilled his mission in every aspect.  He was also the one to ordain Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood.  Seeing all that John the Baptist accomplished and what he did for the gospel of Jesus Christ, we all have reason to rejoice that he was born and fulfilled the mission that was foreordained for him.