The Introductions Of John The Baptist

Ethos. Pathos. Logos. Three means of persuasion.

When a speaker is introduced an argument for each is traditionally given in that introduction. 'This person is 'ethical' and you should listen.' There is an emotional appeal of some kind also and lastly logic is given to give reasons why they should have our ear. Degrees are declared. Time served is calculated and presented. It is all done in order for an audience to give a person a chance.

I thought of that this morning while reading the introduction of John the Baptist in the three Gospels where he is mentioned.

"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.' ' Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." - Matthew 3:1-6 ESV

"As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'' John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.' " - Mark 1:2-8 ESV

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." - Luke 3:1-3 ESV

Three different introductions that appeal to our minds in slightly different ways. God wants us to believe that John has a place in his order. Later we find out that John is a man just like us and is brought into a season of doubt but here the Spirit seeks to convince us that John had a ministry. A person only has that if God gives it to them and people benefit most if the ministry is recognized on some level.

All who believe today are sent ones. We have a ministry. John had one previous to the cross and he proclaimed a message that pointed people to Jesus. We have a post-cross ministry that proclaims the forgiveness of sins that points people to Christ also.

We can build each other up in our divine identities. Our conversations can leave people persuaded that they are loved and that they have divine credentials.

When I go out with someone to talk about Jesus I really enjoy creatively talking about my partner to the people we are evangelizing and saying how amazing they are. Not only does it build everyone up but it verifies the message of forgiveness. Gospel messengers who happily honor each other as they go are using ethos, pathos and logos in their simple presentations. The results of the Gospel message are on display. Love is manifested. It verifies that God has sent another 'voice crying out in the wilderness' to gather people to Himself and dunk them in His truth.

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