Baptism Essay

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Oct 30, 2023

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Jojo Oshinowo-Mustapha HIST 155: The Historical Jesus Winter Term 2023 The Teachings of John The Baptist and Jesus John the Baptist was an important figure in the Gospels, and his teachings were crucial to the religious landscape of first-century Judea. His message was centered around repentance and the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament accounts of John's teachings provide valuable insights into the religious and social c\ontext of the time. Comparing John's teachings with those of Jesus can help us understand the development of early Christianity and its relationship with Judaism. One of the key themes in John's teachings was the importance of repentance. In the Gospel of Matthew, John is described as saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matt 3:2). This message of repentance is echoed throughout the Gospels, and it is a central part of Jesus's own teachings. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is described as saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:15). Both John and Jesus emphasized the need for repentance as a prerequisite for experiencing the coming of the kingdom of God. Another important theme in John's teachings was baptism. In the Gospel of Mark, we read that John "was baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mark 1:4). Baptism was a symbol of repentance and was seen as a way to prepare oneself for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, too, was baptized by John, and this event is seen as a crucial moment in Jesus's own ministry. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that after Jesus was baptized, "the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending

like a dove and alighting on him" (Matt 3:16). This event marks the beginning of Jesus's public ministry and his identification as the Messiah. However, there are also significant differences in the teachings of John and Jesus. While John emphasized the need for repentance, he did not claim to be the Messiah. In fact, when asked by the religious authorities if he was the Messiah, John replied, "I am not" (John 1:20). On the other hand, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and the Messiah. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus's message was not just one of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah, but one of salvation through faith in him. Another key difference between John and Jesus is their approach to the law. John was seen as a prophetic figure who called people back to the basics of the Jewish faith. He emphasized the need for repentance and a return to the ways of the prophets of old. Jesus, on the other hand, challenged the religious authorities of his time and offered a new understanding of the law. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also" (Matt 5:38-39). Jesus's teachings were not just a reaffirmation of the law, but a radical reimagining of it. In conclusion, John the Baptist's teachings provide an important backdrop to the development of early Christianity. His message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah is echoed in Jesus's own teachings. However, there are also significant differences between the two. John did not claim to be the Messiah and emphasized a return to the basics of the Jewish.

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