The Greatest and the Least: A Biblical Theology of John the Baptist

"Rauch and Davis have done a great service to a much-neglected—and misunderstood—biblical figure. John the Baptist plays a critical role in the biblical narrative and Christians too often overlook his significance and prophesied necessity as the Forerunner to Jesus' ministry as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Part hermeneutics manual, part historical study, part Bible study, The Greatest and the Least will change your views on John the Baptist forever… for the better.”
—Gary DeMar

John the Baptist was a polarizing figure in early first century Judea. Before Jesus began his own public ministry, John was attracting a number of young tradesmen as followers. Change was in the air and like many social movements, the young men were the first to take notice.

Interestingly, John does not have the same polarizing effect today. Little has been written about him and his ministry. When he does receive mention, it is usually to highlight his cultural peculiarity, rather than his theological particularity. But without John, there is no Jesus. Without the voice in the wilderness, there is no voice from heaven: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

John was the transitional figure providing a clear path and a smooth road from the covenant with Adam to the new covenant with the Second Adam. As the final and greatest prophet of the Old Testament, John embodied and fulfilled the very purpose of the Law: revealing Jesus as the Bringer of God’s Kingdom.

Eric Rauch has worked in several Christian ministries and has been a student of the Bible for nearly 30 years. He has served the Church as a Ruling Elder and a Deacon and hopes to continue writing in his spare time. Along with his patient wife of 30 years, Eric has six children and four grandchildren and lives near Atlanta.

Zach Davis is the former Pastor of First Baptist Church in Marked Tree, Arkansas. His popular YouTube channel features a comprehensive range of biblical teachings, often connecting to eschatological themes fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He is husband to Andria, his high school sweetheart, and father to Hudson, Ty, and Cam.

Paperback, eBook, or PDF Download; 204 pages