Page 47 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook

Sepphoris, the ancient capital of Galilee in the time of Jesus

John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8 and Luke 3:1-20), Jesus’
Baptist (Matt. 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11 and Luke 3:23-23), and the
Temptation (Matt. 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13).

John the Baptist John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’
ministry. The ministry of John the Baptist in Matthew and
Mark resembles that of Elijah in 2 kings 1:8. He was an Elijah-
like figure who would prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
Luke dates the beginning of John’s ministry in the 15 year of
th
the Roman emperor Tiberius (Luke 3:1). Tiberius had a two -year co-
regency with Augustus, his adoptive father, before Augustus died.
That would put John’s ministry starting between 26 AD and 28 AD.
He was between 30 and 32 when he began preaching. Matthew’s Gospel pictures John preaching in the
wilderness of Judea (black arrow) calling people to repentance and baptism and announcing the coming
of the Messiah.

Jesus departed from Nazareth to be baptized by John and was gone probably for several weeks (maybe
3 months) and the next time He encountered His mother was at the wedding in Cana. Joseph is not
mentioned again in the Gospels and perhaps is no longer living. We do know that he trained Jesus in his
trade of a stonecutter and carpenter. We also know that Joseph was a devout follower of the customs
of his faith with observance to the Passover and Jewish feasts. This implies that Joseph made certain of
good spiritual training for the children in his family. We also know that he lived long enough to have
several other children. Mary had given birth to four other boys and two girls. James was the elder half-
sibling, followed by Joses, Simeon, and Jude (Judah) and Jesus’ half-sisters were, according to tradition,
named Salome and either Anna or Mary. Joseph proved his integrity and willingness to be obedient to
God’s direction and guidance.

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