“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,”
John was six months older than Jesus, and was about 30 years old when he began to preach. This followed the Judaistic teaching that a man is not mature enough or ready to preach until age 30. At the time of Moses, serving God appeared to revolve around the same age.
To us, John might look like a wild man, but many men of that time wore similar clothing when they worked mainly in the desert or hills!
John was considered by Jesus to be the greatest prophet ever, so we today should listen. When he called for repentance, we should be careful what this meant. Firstly, he was preaching to Jews. They were familiar with, and practised, Judaistic rites and ceremonies, in which animals bore the sins of the people and were sacrificed on their behalf. These sacrificed animals then gave them atonement.
It is in this context that they understood John’s call for repentance. They knew they had to change their mind and heart to be accepted by Jehovah. Sadly, many thought this was sufficient to allow them into the kingdom… a physical earthly kingdom. However, some realised John was urging them to repent fully, a spiritual turning towards God and not a turning to an earthly king.
Today, how many think their many hours a week in church services are enough to gain God’s grace?
No, they need to believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Good works will not do it. Nor will superficial repentance. How many men (and, unfortunately, women) think they are automatically God’s servants just by attending a Bible college?
John earned zero money for his ministry! Instead, he was rewarded by decapitation! Are WE true servants of God, even unto death??
© 13 July 2024
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Published on www.christiandoctrine.com
Bible Theology Ministries
Swansea
Wales
United Kingdom