*NOTE: There was an issue with this week's recording - we'll try to post notes/recorded portions as we can. Many apologies.*

John the Baptist’s purpose in God’s plan – like that of every follower of Jesus since him – was to point people toward Jesus. In carrying out this calling, John lived differently, engaged people well, and gathered a following. But through it all, John knew his place: he was not the Messiah; he led people to the Messiah. From his pre-birth “leap,” to his reaction to Jesus’ appearance, John modeled something vital for us: his joy was in Christ. He lived for his God. He was humble before his Lord. And he pointed the world to Jesus.