We have come to the point where Old Testament times conclude, and New Testament times begin. We have been through the first nine Times of Israel. Now we enter into the latter three in which the Messiah comes and the new Israel is establishe
Summary of Tenth Period
COMING OF THE SON OF GOD The Son of God came into the world about 2000 years after God called Abraham. When Jesus grew to manhood, his ministry was heralded by the prophet John, who preached repentance, and baptism for remission of sins. Jesus also went about preaching the gospel, and healing the sick. He was rejected by the religious leaders, however, and eventually was crucified as a common criminal although he had done no wrong. His death was a sacrifice for all sin for all time.
This is a good time to review the Times of Israel Chart which shows the overall scheme of the Times of Israel series.
The bridge between the old and new is John the Baptist. He is usually called the "last of the Old Testament prophets" . But he was also the first prophet among the Jews for 400 years! And we have to look in the New Testament to learn of his adventures, because the Old Testament writings were completed 400 years before John appeared. He does have a place in the Old Testament, however, and a very important place. He was the latter day "Elijah" whom Malachi predicted would come (Mal 4:5; Mtt 11:12-15; Mtt 17:9-13; Lke 1:17; ). He was the "voice crying in the wilderness" (Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3; Mrk 1:1-8).
The Main Point
The coming Messiah was to be announced by a messenger from God. He would be a "voice of one crying in the wilderness" who would "come in the spirit and power of Elijah". John was the last of the Old Testament prophets. His preaching and baptism heralded the New Testament, and "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world". When his work was finished, he suffered an unjust execution that foreshadowed the unjust killing of the Messiah himself.
A few facts about John the Baptist
Descendant of Levi and Aaron, son of Zacharias the priest. Like Abraham and Sarah, Zacharias and Elizabeth were elderly and childless when an angel of the Lord promised that John would be born to them. (Lke 1:5-25,41,57-80).
The "Elijah" who was to come (Mal 4:5; Mtt 11:12-15; Mtt 17:9-13; Lke 1:17; ). Not Elijah reincarnated or resurrected (Jhn 1:19-23 note verse 21) but Elijah’s antitype who came in the same spirit and power.
Like Samson, John was under a lifetime vow of abstinence from all strong drink (Lke 1:15; Jdg 13:3-7). Note also his food and clothing (Mtt 3:4; 2Kg 1:8)
Preached and practised "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mrk 1:4) -as is Christ’s baptism (Acts 2:38). However, those baptised by John had to be later also baptised into Christ (Acts 19:1-7).
He was called upon to baptise God’s Son (Mtt 3:13-17).
Bore testimony to Jesus as the Christ (Jhn 1:6-9,15-37).
Beheaded by Herod Antipas (Herod the tetrarch) because of a foolish carte blanche oath Herod swore to Salome his dancing daughter (Mtt 14:1-13; Mrk 6:14-29).
A revivalist who had the courage to "tell it like it is" (Mtt 3:1-12). John’s fiery preaching turned many sinners to righteousness and made "a people prepared for the Lord" (Lke 1:16-17). His preaching was "the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (Mrk 1:1-8).