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John’s life is an example to us of the seriousness with which we are to approach the Christian life and
our call to ministry, whatever that may be. John lived his life to introduce others to Jesus Christ; he was
focused on the mission God had given him. John also knew the importance of repenting of one’s sins in
order to live a holy and righteous life. And as a servant of God, he also was unafraid of speaking truth,
even when it meant calling out people such as Herod and the Pharisees for their sinful behavior.

John was entrusted with a unique ministry, yet we, too, are called upon to share the truth of Jesus with
others (Matthew 28:18–20; John 13:34–35; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21). We can follow John’s
example of faithful and obedient trust in God as we live and proclaim His truth in whatever life
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circumstances God has given us.

The Messiah is Born
There have been many important births since the dawn of
humanity. Consider the births of the scientists who have given us things
that make life easier. There have been researchers who have discovered
treatments and cures for diseases and ailments. Great humanitarians who,
through their tireless efforts, have eased the pain of many and helped them
live productive lives. The births of those who grew up to be preachers and
missionaries have blessed those to whom they have ministered. However, one birth stands far above
the rest. It is the most important birth there ever was or ever will be. It is the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Word became flesh (John 1:1-18)
Jesus’ coming in flesh as a man is called the ‘incarnation’, a word that means ‘in the flesh’. The clear
record of the Bible tells us that Jesus is God in human form. First, we must remember that Jesus existed
prior to His incarnation, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not
any thing made that was made…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-3, 14 ESV,
cf. Colossians 1:15-17).

In one of Jesus’ prayers, He prays, “And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that
I had with you before the world existed” (John 17:5 ESV). Clearly, Jesus did not begin His existence when
He appeared as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem. He had already existed from eternity past.

Date of Jesus’ birth: c. 6 or 5 BC or 2 or 1BC?
Briefly, historians say the birth of Jesus occurred around 6 or 5 BC, some say 4 BC. Others say he was
born 2 or 1 BC. Why the differences?

The 6, 5, and 4 BC dates are based on when the Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, guessed when Herod
died. According to historians, Herod was king at the time of Jesus’ birth and we do know that Herod
died shortly after Jesus’ birth. Herod became king of Palestine in 37 BC and died in 4 BC, but maybe 1
BC. Why two dates? Josephus dated Herod’s death based on a lunar eclipse that occurred in 4 BC.
According to historical records at the time, Herod died shortly after a lunar eclipse, so Joseph
established the 4 BC date because he was unaware that there was an equally significant lunar eclipse in
1 BC. The 1 BC date for Herod’s death better fits the chronology of Christ’s life.

41 https://www.gotquestions.org/life-John-Baptist.html (Used by permission)

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