1. Almost 30 years had passed since the events of  Matthew 2.
2. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus preaching “repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”  Isaiah 40:3
3. John was completely different from other religious leaders. They were greedy, selfish and sought the praise of people.
4. John wore odd clothes and ate strange food. He lived differently to show he was not like the other religious leaders.
5. Many people from all over came to hear John the Baptist. Possibly out of curiosity but, when they heard him speak they confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River.
6. John was not afraid to denounce the Pharisee and Sadducees in public.
7. John the Baptist proclaimed  the truth of God’s Word without fear.
8. John told of the coming of Jesus “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
9. Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist.
10. As Jesus rose up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on Him. A voice from heaven said,

 “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”