All four Gospels mention John the Baptist and his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. Today we look at John and the baptism of Christ.
Matthew 3 Verse by Verse
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Fruit in keeping with repentance – Matt 3:8
When John the Baptist saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he had some harsh words for them. He knew coming to observe him was insincere. One thing he said that was not so harsh though was,
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matt 3:8 ESV throughout)
This is helpful for anyone. His point was that no birthright or position, however lofty or admirable, was going to be enough to please God. Those with the best social standing still need to repent. And repentance, that turning from sin toward God with a new attitude toward both, is going to be visible. One passage that shows us the contrast of a pre/post repentance life is Gal 5:19-24.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Another helpful passage is Col 1:9-11,
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.
Finally, Hebrews 13:15 adds a bit more.
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
May our lives be full of good fruit, evidence that we have changed our minds, attitudes and hearts concerning sin and turned wholeheartedly toward God in Christ.
A Prayer Prompted by the Wise Men in Matthew 2
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that like these wise men, I was once distant from you, but you led me to Jesus. When I think of the effort these wise men put forth to find him, I have to admit that I did a lot less and found Jesus all the same. Teach me to put forth more effort now as I seek to know Christ better than I do.
These wise men clearly offered gifts from among the best things that they had — gold, frankincense and myrrh. Teach me also to give all that I have which is valuable to me in the worship of my Savior.
The wise men were also very aware of your leading them: first from a far land to Jerusalem, then to a specific house in Bethlehem and then back to their own country by another way. Teach me also to be aware of your leading in my own life.
Deep down I want to serve you well, follow Jesus and be led by the Spirit in all that I do. Please make my life a more accurate reflection of your will for me. Help me to make it an offering to you and an act of complete worship.
And I ask this for the glory of the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Matthew 2 Verse by Verse
In Matthew 2 we get the story of the wise men or magi and related events. Herod’s desire to kill Jesus takes the family to Egypt for a time.
Central Reflections 