The NIV Bible titles this passage "John The Baptist Prepares The Way". As we recognize the Advent Season, the expectant waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus, we found these verses to be a true call for action, not so much waiting. I believe that John realized that the waiting period was over, and the preparation/ action time had arrived with Jesus.
Our Wednesday class talked about the preparation John the Baptist brought to light; Repentance. John's message was of repentance as being the first step toward receiving all that the Kingdom has to offer. Repentance requires recognition and confession of our sins. It is also an acknowledgement of our need for a Savior, forgiveness and redemption. And it is an awareness that sins have consequences. John knew that repentance was absolutely necessary in order for Jesus to find a place for His Kingdom to be established...in our hearts.
We also talked about John the Baptist Seizing the Moment. John recognized the importance of his mission, the purpose, and the urgency. Why does the Bible tell us what John was wearing, what he ate, and that he lived in the wilderness? In verse 5 we are told that people went out to him from Jerusalem. I think that God wants to make sure that we realize that people will seek us out, not because we fit in, but because they will recognize that we have a message they need to hear. John knew that those who came were seeking only what God could give them. John was quick to point out that he was just a messenger ( v.11..."But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry."). He was not the One who could save them. He knew who he was serving and he pointed to Jesus as the king they were searching for.
During this Advent Season, we need to pray that we are prepared to sieze the moment, knowing that God will send people to us who need to hear of the redemption available to all who repent of their sins and acknowledge their need for the grace available through Jesus.
Discover and Proclaim the Truth of The Bible which is: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." (John 3:16 NRSV). Jesus came to humanity to proclaim and give evidence to that love and He has commanded us to do the same. We, who believe, must not merely be followers, but we must be proclaimers of the Gospel Message and we can only do that by being filled with the love of God.
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