As I studied the ministry of John the Baptist, I found a talk in the archives that touched on his life, his teachings, and his ministry. In April 1980, Elder Thomas S. Monson gave a talk entitled “Preparing the Way”.
President Monson’s talk centered primarily on the Aaronic priesthood, which John held. This priesthood came to him by virtue of his lineage; like his father, Zacharias, he was able to administer in the ordinances thereof. This priesthood enabled him to baptize, both mortal men and the Savior of the world. Elder Monson discusses the fact that the power of the Aaronic priesthood includes privledge of having angels minister unto you. As a convert to the church who has not yet put in time-intensive study of the powers of the priesthood (although I plan to as my sons grow older), I was amazed to hear this.
President Monson discussed the mortal ministry of John the Baptist. He mentioned that, like young Jesus, he “grew, and waxed strong in spirit” (Luke 1:80). This is all we know of John’s youth. When we meet him as an adult, he is dressed as the prophets of old, fed by the desert and sustained by God himself. He preaches faith, repentance, and baptism, and ultimately baptizes the Savior. When John marvels that Christ would be baptized of him when he needed the saving grace Jesus would bring, Jesus tells him that such is necessary to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-15).
When John’s mission on earth was abruptly ended, his work still continued. He returned to administer the Aaronic priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. Without this priesthood, the work of the church could not be accomplished; we could preach baptism but lack the authority to baptize.
Elder Monson goes on to cite an example of the power of the Aaronic priesthood in the life of a young priest he knew. This young man was able to overcome a speech impediment and “(act) in the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood,…speaking with power, with conviction, and with heavenly help.”
The Aaronic priesthood, of course, is the prepatory priesthood, which lays the foundation for the Melchizedek. Without the presence of the Aaronic priesthood on the earth, we would not be able to perform the Melchizedek works, such as the laying on of hands and sealings, that enable us to live the gospel to its full potential. In the same way, John’s ministry on earth prepared the hearts of those who listened for the coming of the Savior. In this life and in the next, John the Baptist truly prepared the way for mankind to come unto Christ.
Related Articles:
Gospel Doctrine: Unquenchable Fire
Gospel Doctrine: Prepare His Ways and Make His Paths Straight
Helping Your Son Honor His Priesthood
General Conference: “A Royal Priesthood”