In the ancient times, when a king would travel to unknown places, he would sent before him what were called the Predecessors. They would open the ways, cut branches of the trees, even the ground and inform the people of the king’s arrival. This enabled the king to travel with safety; no obstacles would be found on the way.
Translation: Carolina von Scharten, London, Sir William Crookes Spiritist Society linked to BUSS - The British Union of Spiritist Societies.
Does anyone know what the word predecessors mean? (Please ask the children)
Someone that comes before; a forerunner; a predecessor; an indicator of approaching events.
You will get to know the story of John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for Jesus.
The Old Testament is a collection of books written before Jesus’ birth. It tells that God would send a predecessor; someone who would prepare the way for Jesus.
When it was the time for the predecessor’s rebirth, it was announced to Zechariah that he would receive him as his son. Zechariah was a priest who was married to Elizabeth; they didn’t have any children and were both well along in years. They tried to have children for many years; Elizabeth was considered to be sterile. Zechariah prayed feverously to God, but still Elizabeth never got pregnant. At that time, when a couple didn’t have children, sterility was attributed to the woman only.
One day he was in the temple offering incense when an angel appeared in front of him. The angel stood at the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah saw him; he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John (the name John had not been used by any of his ancestors). He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. He will have a great mission. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.”
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time. ”
When Elizabeth was 6 month pregnant Mary, Jesus’ mom, came to visit her (they were cousins). Mary was already pregnant, expecting Jesus.
Mary placed her hand at Elizabeth’s womb and the baby leaped. Elizabeth had mediumistic intuition and said that Mary was the mother of her Lord.
John began to preach everywhere around Jordan River. John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. He didn’t drink any wine or any strong drink.
He announced that the kingdom of heaven was to come and baptized the men who confessed their sins by immersing their heads on the Jordan River.
He said to the people: The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.
He would say to the soldiers: do not mistreat anyone.
The people were expecting a Messiah for a long time. Every time someone would stand out for his preaching, this person would be considered to be the promised Messiah. The Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him:
- Who are you?
- I am not the Christ; John the Baptist said.
They then asked him: Who are you then? Are you Elias? He said he wasn’t a prophet.
- Who are you? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What say you about yourself? – They asked him.
- I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. John was a true voice that called souls without faith or love – as a desert with no life – so they changed themselves.
The priests were still suspicious about him and asked:
- Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?
- I baptize in water, so men can confess their sins but after me will come someone more powerful who will baptize with in the Holy Spirit and with fire. He was referring to Jesus.
John announced the forthcoming of the Messiah and encouraged the people to confess their sins, change their attitudes and thoughts; starting to experience goodness. The people who accepted to change, he baptized; that is, he immersed their heads on the Jordan River. Since he baptized, he became know as the BAPTIST; the one who baptizes.
John also baptized Jesus. After being baptized by John, Jesus started to have many followers, including some of John’s disciples. The people then asked John if he wasn’t sad as the people were following Jesus; and not him. Therefore, John knew his mission and said: He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.
It was as if John’s mission as the predecessor was finished. Since that moment, Jesus started his mission of love.
John the Baptist died decapitated (do you know what this mean?) because he didn’t agree the king at the time, Herod, married his brother’s wife, committing adultery.
John and Jesus didn’t meet much, but always talked highly of each other; with respect and kindness.
Have you ever heard of the time when Jesus appeared right next to Moses and Elias to his disciples? This is what we call the Transfiguration. It was in the occasion that Jesus made it clear that John the Baptist was the reincarnation of the prophet Elias.
John’s mission was to prepare the people so they could recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah.