Why was John the Baptist sent, according to Les?
John the Baptist was sent to baptize, and that was his ministry. He preached the baptism of repentance. This contrasts with Paul, whom Christ did not send to baptize but to preach the Gospel—that Christ died, was buried, and rose again—not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ be made of no effect.
Les explains that John the Baptist was sent specifically to baptize; that was his God-given ministry. He preached the baptism of repentance. By contrast, Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that Christ did not send him to baptize as He did John. Instead, Paul's mission was to preach the Gospel—that Christ died, was buried, and rose again—not with wisdom of words, so the cross of Christ would not be made of no effect. Les notes that the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who perish.