“Behold, I am sending My messenger, and he will clear a way before Me. And the Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of armies.” Malachi 3:1 NASB (See also Luke 7:27)

John the Baptist’s ministry was about getting the people to change their mind

“Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Matthew 4:2 NASB

To repent means to change your mind, to change your thinking, and align it with God’s mind and will

WHAT DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT?

1. I need to change my mind about who really is in charge

“It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene.Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’” Luke 3:1-6 NLT

2. I need to change my mind about how I see and treat my neighbor

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God…” Luke 3:8 NLT

“The crowds asked, “What should we do?” “John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”  “Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires. “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10-14 NLT

3. I need to change my mind on how I see my responsibility in the Great Commission

“Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke 3:15-16 NLT

• John’s ministry prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry
• John’s ministry was replaced by Jesus’ ministry
• Jesus’ ministry has been passed on to us

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NLT

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT