The Baptism of Christ - Part 4

CONCLUSION

Imagine we came to church today and the guest speaker was John the Baptist. He gets up to preach, looks us in the eye. “You snakes! Think you can escape the punishment God’s about to send? Do things to show you’ve turned from your sins. And don't start saying, we come to church every week. I tell you God can take these floor tiles and make churchgoers! The fire has started; live like God wants.” Would we get up and walk out? Sit and grumble, then thank him for his word after the service? Ask, how can I show God I’m repentant?

Jesus had a dialogue with the chief priests and elders of the people in Matthew 21:28-32. Jesus said, “Now, what do you think? There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the older one and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ I don't want to,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. ‘Yes, sir,’ he answered, but he did not go. Which one of the two did what his father wanted?” “The older one,” they answered. So Jesus said to them, “I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you. For John the Baptist came to you showing you the right path to take, and you would not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Even when you saw this, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” Who do we want to be? People who pay lip service to God but don’t do what He wants? Or people who say no to God, think better of it, repent and turn to Him? Neither is the best option, but it reflects what was happening. The best thing is to say yes to God and follow it through. 

“Sinners” heeded John, the self righteous refused to. Who entered God’s Kingdom, according to Jesus? John’s message still stands and is elevated this side of the cross and resurrection. I’ll close with the transformed Peter’s words at Pentecost: “Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit.  For God's promise was made to you and your children, and to all who are far away—all whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Peter made his appeal to them and with many other words he urged them, saying, “Save yourselves from the punishment coming on this wicked people!” (Acts 2:38-40)

Let’s trust in God’s promise to forgive, to send His Spirit and save us from punishment.