We don’t see too many “fire and brimstone” preachers today. Preachers and evangelists who bring messages on judgment, hell, and repentance seem like something from a bygone era, a past century, and would not seem to fit in too many churches today. They certainly wouldn’t be too popular with most people. People in churches today want to only hear about God’s love, and His acceptance of themselves just the way they are. Pastors who would give a “fire and brimstone” sermon today might even be asked to start changing their message or start looking for another job. However, what do we find in the third chapter of Luke’s Gospel, just a few verses past the Christmas narrative? This is the account of John the Baptist, a very important figure in the New Testament, one whose whole ministry, in addition to being the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah, was a message of repentance and judgment. We read a similar account in Matthew 3:1-12.
Our Gospel verses for today, just days before Christmas, don't seem too Christmassy. John the Baptist was commissioned by God from before his birth to prepare people for the coming Messiah, and that preparation included repentance and turning one’s life around in the direction towards God. John the Baptist didn’t worry about what people thought of his messages. He didn’t cater to people’s feelings. He didn’t preach what the people wanted to hear, he preached what they needed to hear, and that was a message of repentance to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. John didn’t worry about offending people, as he called out some folks in his preaching, calling them a brood of vipers, a whole nest of poisonous snakes to be avoided! (vs. 7). If they are going to sit there smugly in their pews in church on Sunday, thinking that they are perfectly fine, that God loves them just as they are, then they need to show forth fruit of their good lives (vs. 8-9).
John the Baptist, and his message of preparing for the coming of Jesus, figures prominently during Advent, the weeks in the Church calendar prior to Christmas. We are called as believers to have genuine repentance in our lives, a complete turning away from sin, and a commitment to live a life that bears good fruit. John warns that those who refuse to repent, who feel that they don’t need that, there is judgment coming. He used the image of an ax cutting down a tree and throwing it in a fire (vs. 9). Some of the folks said to John that God wouldn’t judge them because they were descended from Abraham. We see similar smugness today with people thinking they are free from judgment because of their heritage, their wealth, where they live, etc. John proclaimed that was not so. This shows the urgency of repentance and the reality of God’s impending judgment.
What are we supposed to do? That was the question the crowds had for John the Baptist. After they repented of their sins, what were they to do to show that they were living lives of righteousness, and were showing good fruits of repentance? John responded by telling them to change their ways, be generous, be fair, treat others kindly (vs. 10-14). This is not saying in any way that salvation is dependent upon our works. Works do not save us. Only faith does (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, works are a sign that there is genuine faith (Ephesians 2:10). If there isn’t any good fruit, then there is probably no root.
As our Scripture continues, John humbly acknowledged that he was not the Messiah, and pointed to the One who was mightier, the Lord Jesus (vs. 15-16). He also warned that the Messiah was coming with judgment, as well (vs. 17). John used the image of a farmer in his day, using a winnowing fork to separate the wheat from the chaff. This would picture the final judgment, where God will separate the righteous for heaven from the wicked and unsafe who will face eternal punishment.
In closing, as we come to the end of the season of Advent, with Christmas just days away, we need to examine our lives, repent of all known sin, and produce fruit that reflects a transformed heart. Believers and followers of the Lord Jesus should be striving to live in a way that honors Him, and that reflects our faith. Knowing the reality of a coming day of judgment, we should be motivated to live faithfully for the Savior, and share the message of repentance and salvation with others.
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