Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 1:19-34), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• (23) John the Baptist is the “voice” from Isaiah 40:3. Read Isaiah 40:1-5. The proclamation of the Gospel is a message of comfort. How is his message one of comfort? How does this fit with the call to repentance which frequently characterizes his preaching (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3)? How does he “make straight” or prepare the way of the Lord? Does this have any application for you, or for those to whom you might proclaim the Gospel?

• (32-34) John’s Gospel includes John the Baptist’s testimony of Jesus’ baptism, rather than a direct account. What is John the Baptist concerned to communicate as he bears witness about Jesus’ baptism? Why is Jesus’ baptism important for the readers/hearers of John’s Gospel?

• (33) John baptized with water, but Jesus “baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” Apparently John’s baptism wasn’t the “full Christian version” (see Acts 19:1-6). What does it mean that Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit? Considering both his divinity and his humanity, why is this significant for us? Do you feel like Christian baptism is an important part of Christianity? Why or why not?