Who Baptized John the Baptist?
Answer:
The Bible does not explicitly state who baptized John the Baptist. Nowhere in the Old or New Testaments do we find a verse that directly names the person who performed John’s baptism. However, through theological reflection and biblical patterns, we can make a reasonable and informed inference.
John the Baptist was a prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3). He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). As such, it would be highly unusual for John to call others to a spiritual practice he himself had not undergone. Scripture consistently shows that God calls His messengers to lead by example.
Matthew 23:3 (NIV):
“…But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
If John called others to repent and be baptized, it is reasonable to believe he would have first obeyed this call himself.
Who Then Baptized John?
Though we cannot name a specific individual, the likeliest explanation is that one of John’s early followers, perhaps one of the people who accepted his message before he formally began his public ministry, baptized him. Theologically, baptism in the New Testament emphasizes the faith and repentance of the one being baptized more than the status of the one performing the baptism.
Romans 6:3-4 (NIV):
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”
Thus, in God’s eyes, the spiritual condition and sincerity of the one being baptized carries greater weight than the authority of the baptizer. This view is supported by the fact that even some baptisms performed by unworthy individuals can be valid if the heart of the one being baptized is right (Philippians 1:15-18).
The Example of Jesus
Jesus Himself did not need baptism for repentance (He was sinless Hebrews 4:15), yet He chose to be baptized by John to “fulfill all righteousness.”
Matthew 3:14–15 (NIV):
“But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’
Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.”
Christ’s example highlights the importance of obedience and public affirmation of God’s will. He humbled Himself even though He was the sinless Son of God. If Jesus submitted to baptism to demonstrate righteousness, it is fitting to believe that John would have done the same before beginning his ministry.
Parallels in the Life of Abraham
We also see a biblical pattern of leaders participating in the very acts they command others to do. In Genesis 17, when God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, Abraham didn’t exclude himself he obeyed alongside those in his household.
Genesis 17:23–26 (NIV):
“On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money… and circumcised them, as God told him.
Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised…”
This demonstrates the principle of shared obedience and leadership through example, which applies well to John’s case. Like Abraham, John likely submitted himself to the same spiritual practice he proclaimed.
Be blessed.
Tonight They Want Your Soul!” — Who Are These People?
Question:
In Luke 12:20 (NKJV), it says:
“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’“
But who are these that “require” or “demand” his soul?
Context:
In Luke 12:13–21, Jesus tells a parable in response to a man concerned about inheritance. Jesus warns against greed (choyo) and the false belief that life’s security comes from wealth.
The rich man in the parable had such a great harvest that he planned to build bigger barns to store it all. He told himself to relax — eat, drink, and be merry — thinking he had secured his future.
But God calls him a “fool” — not because he was rich, but because he trusted in his wealth instead of God. He thought he controlled his life, but in reality, he was blind to the spiritual reality that life and death are in God’s hands
(see Job 1:21 — “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.“).
This suggests that more than one party was involved in demanding his soul:
- Angels of death could have been sent to claim his life (Hebrews 9:27 — “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment“).
- Spiritual forces of darkness could also have been awaiting his downfall, especially because of his sin of idolatry — trusting riches more than God (John 10:10 — “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.“).
- Human enemies — thieves, assassins, or jealous opponents — could have been plotting physical harm.
- The justice of God itself demands the soul of those who are unrepentant and live for themselves instead of God (Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.“).
In short, it’s not just “one” — it’s the combination of spiritual and physical forces moving under God’s sovereign allowance to bring judgment.
warning message :
Like that rich man, many today put their trust in wealth, careers, insurance, medicine, and human systems, but forget their ultimate security comes only from God.
The Bible warns us
in Proverbs 11:4 (NKJV):“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.“
It’s dangerous to live without being “rich toward God” — meaning to invest your heart, time, and treasures into God’s Kingdom and purposes
Matthew 6:19–21 — “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also“).
The rich man stored up earthly goods but had no heavenly investment. When the time came, his riches couldn’t save him.
Psalm 49:6-7 (NKJV) says:
“Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.“
Only a relationship with Jesus Christ can guarantee eternal life.
That’s why Hebrews 2:3 urges us:
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…“
And remember what Psalm 127:1 (NKJV) says:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.“
Final Thoughts:
Every day we live, unseen forces are at work. Only God’s mercy keeps us safe.
Let’s be wise — not fools — by living every day in trust, obedience, and relationship with Him, rich toward God, not just rich in the things of this world.
Be blessed.
Trust in Jesus.
Stay ready.
what does proverb 14:4 mean??
Proverbs 14:4 (ESV) says:
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”
At first glance, this proverb speaks about a simple truth from everyday life:
- An empty stable stays clean — without oxen, there’s no mess (no dung, no feed to clean up). There is no burden of maintenance.
- However, without oxen, there is also no strength for labor — meaning no plowing, no harvest, no productivity.
- In contrast, where oxen are present, though the stable gets messy, their strength produces an abundant harvest. The inconvenience brings much greater rewards.
Thus, cleanliness without productivity is meaningless; while accepting some “mess” leads to fruitfulness and blessing.
Spiritual meaning:
This verse offers a profound spiritual principle Many people desire spiritual fruit — such as effective ministry, personal growth, or a deep relationship with God — but they shrink back when they realize that such fruit requires sacrifice, effort, and endurance.
Jesus made this clear
in Luke 14:25-27 (ESV):
“Now great crowds accompanied Him, and He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.'”
Following Christ demands putting Him first, even above our closest relationships and personal comfort. True discipleship involves carrying our cross — embracing sacrifice and hardship for the sake of the Kingdom.
Jesus then continues
in Luke 14:28-30, teaching about counting the cost:
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’”
Just like having oxen means accepting the responsibility and mess for the sake of harvest, following Christ requires embracing the cost for the sake of eternal rewards.
spiritual lesson:
- Fruitfulness Requires Labor:
Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23 (ESV) - Enduring Hardship:
Hardship and sacrifice are normal parts of Christian maturity.
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
— 2 Timothy 2:3 (ESV) - Reward After Labor:
God promises that faithful labor will not be in vain.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Summary:
- A life without commitment, responsibility, or sacrifice may seem “clean” and “easy,” but it remains unfruitful.
- A life that embraces the cost — even when messy, difficult, and challenging — will produce abundant spiritual harvests.
- In God’s Kingdom, labor leads to reward, sacrifice leads to fruitfulness, and faithfulness leads to eternal glory.
Therefore, let us embrace the “mess” that comes with meaningful service, knowing that it results in an abundant harvest for the glory of God.
Amen.
who are eunuchs?
In Matthew 19:12 (NKJV), Jesus explains that there are three types of eunuchs:
“For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)
Let’s break this down simply:
1. Eunuchs Born That Way
These are people who, from birth, cannot have children or marry. God created them like this for His own reasons, often setting them apart for special purposes.
Example: Some biblical figures, like Daniel and his friends, were possibly in this category (Daniel 1:3–7), serving in royal courts without focusing on marriage.
2. Eunuchs Made That Way by Others
In ancient times, especially in royal courts, some men were physically altered (castrated) to serve kings without distractions from women.
Example: Servants who looked after royal harems were often made eunuchs (see Esther 2:3, 2:14).
3. Eunuchs by Personal Choice for God’s Kingdom
These are people who choose to remain unmarried so that they can serve God without the distractions and responsibilities of marriage.
Example: Apostle Paul speaks about this choice:
“(1 Corinthians 7:8, NKJV)
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am.”
Paul chose a single life to serve the Lord with complete focus.
Jesus Himself was also unmarried, fully dedicating His life to the mission of salvation.
Examples of Spiritual Eunuchs
Jesus Christ – remained unmarried for the sake of His mission (Luke 19:10; Hebrews 4:15).
Apostle Paul – chose singleness to focus on preaching (1 Corinthians 7:32–35).
Barnabas – served with Paul and also stayed unmarried (Acts 13:2–3).
Possibly John the Baptist – lived a life of complete dedication (Luke 1:15–17).
Daniel and companions – served in the king’s court with total devotion (Daniel 1:8).
Important Note;
It’s a calling, not a command. Not everyone is called to live unmarried. Jesus said, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12b).
Paul also wrote that marriage is good, but singleness can be better if someone feels called (1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:17, NKJV).
It’s a spiritual gift. The ability to live a celibate life peacefully and happily comes from God — it is a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7). Not everyone has this grace.
Freedom to serve God fully. Staying unmarried gives more freedom to focus on God’s work:
“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32, NKJV).
Women, too, can have this calling.
Just like men, women who choose to stay unmarried to dedicate themselves to God are spiritually seen like “eunuchs” — meaning fully consecrated for God’s work.
Summary
Eunuchs, according to the Bible, are people who either:
Were born unable to marry,
Were made that way by others,
Or chose by themselves not to marry — all for the purpose of serving God better.
This life of singleness is a special calling. It is not for everyone, but for those who have the gift, it brings incredible freedom to serve God with undivided hearts.
“He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)
Be blessed as you seek to understand and walk in God’s unique calling for your life!
What is Zion?
To understand the meaning of Zion, we must trace it from its historical roots to its spiritual fulfillment in Christ and the Church.
1. Historical Origin of Zion
The term Zion first appears in the Bible during the time of King David. When David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites, he took over the stronghold which was then renamed the City of David—also called the fortress of Zion (2 Samuel 5:7). From that point, Zion became a reference not only to the stronghold but also to Jerusalem itself, particularly as the political and religious center of Israel.
2. Zion as God’s Dwelling Place
As Jerusalem became the capital city, it also became the location of the Ark of the Covenant and later the temple built by Solomon. This elevated Zion’s status to a symbol of God’s dwelling among His people. The prophets spoke of Zion as God’s holy mountain—a place where His presence, glory, and kingship were uniquely manifested (Psalm 132:13-14; Joel 3:17).
In Jeremiah 31:6,12, Zion is tied to restoration and rejoicing, pointing to both God’s judgment and His redemptive purposes through the return and renewal of His people.
3. Zion as a Symbol of God’s People
Beyond geography, the prophets personified Zion to represent the covenant people of God—Israel. For example, in Isaiah 60:14, the prophet describes a future time of honor and restoration:
“…they will call you the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
Here, Zion is not just a place, but a community—those chosen by God to bear His name and glory.
The same metaphor is carried in Zechariah 9:9 (“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion”) and Zephaniah 3:14-19, where “Daughter Zion” becomes a picture of God’s beloved people, destined for joy and salvation.
4. Zion in the New Covenant
The New Testament brings a major theological development in the understanding of Zion. Under the New Covenant, Zion becomes a spiritual reality, representing the heavenly Jerusalem, the Church, and the Kingdom of God.
In Hebrews 12:22-23, the writer makes a clear contrast between Mount Sinai (representing the Old Covenant) and Mount Zion:
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven…”
Here, Zion is the spiritual dwelling place of God’s redeemed people. It is not limited to geography, but refers to the heavenly reality believers are now part of through Christ.
5. Jesus Christ: The Cornerstone of Zion
The Apostle Peter gives further theological weight to the idea of Zion as the spiritual dwelling of God, built upon Jesus Christ as the cornerstone:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6)
This cornerstone prophecy, originally from Isaiah 28:16, is fulfilled in Jesus. Those who believe in Him become living stones, built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Therefore, the true Zion—the spiritual temple of God—is made up of born-again believers, both Jew and Gentile, joined together in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22).
6. Zion as the Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan
Zion, then, is not merely an ancient city or a prophetic code word for Israel—it is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. It starts with a historical city, becomes a symbol for God’s people in exile and hope, and finds its fulfillment in the Church, the Bride of Christ, and ultimately in the New Jerusalem that will come down from heaven (Revelation 21:2).
This vision is both already and not yet. Already, we are part of Zion as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), but we also await the full manifestation of God’s kingdom in the age to come.
Conclusion: Our Place in Zion
As believers in Christ, we are called to be part of this Zion—the spiritual city of God. It is a place of God’s presence, Christ’s kingship, and the eternal gathering of the redeemed. Our hope is not just in a city on earth, but in a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28), whose foundation is Jesus Christ Himself.
Let us therefore strive, by grace, to remain firmly rooted in Zion—God’s eternal dwelling with His people.
Be blessed.
