BePrepared (Luke 3:1-20)
Preparation: Learning from John the Baptist.
Introduction:
We hear it repeatedly in life, we are always being told to “be prepared”. Whether during our school years, when we're urged to prepare for our future careers, or as we embark on our journey towards retirement, the call to be prepared echoes in our ears, all our lives.
Even within the walls of the church, pastors often emphasize the need for preparation, extending beyond our earthly lives. We're encouraged to consider what comes beyond retirement, particularly in the context of preparing ourselves for our eternal destiny. The question that arises is, if it is important to be prepared then how are we to be prepared? What does it truly entail to be prepared?
To find insights into this concept of preparation, we can turn to the man who had the sacred responsibility of preparing an entire nation for the arrival of the Messiah, John the Baptist. We can do this by examining how he undertook this immense task, to see what valuable lessons we can learn on how to prepare to meet the Lord.
So, let's delve into the Book of Luke, particularly in our new chapter 3, starting with verse 1. While this passage extends to verse 20, I'll be reading it in sections to facilitate our understanding.
The Preparer – John the Baptist (Verses 1-6):
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
(Luke 3: 1-6)
We begin our journey into the narrative of John the Baptist by observing the timing of his ministry. In verse 1, we find a list of rulers, including Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Philip, Lysanias, and high priests Annas and Caiaphas. This list provides historical context. The dating of these figures helps us identify the starting point of these events.
The critical takeaway is that John the Baptist commenced his ministry in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's reign. It's crucial to acknowledge that this was no arbitrary beginning. John did not enter into his role as baptiser on a whim. The details of these historical events emphasizes the precision and divine timing of John's ministry.
This historical context not only establishes the timing but also reveals the authenticity of the events. John the Baptist's ministry had a specific purpose, and the events surrounding it had a profound connection to God's overall plan for salvation. His mission was not merely a matter of chance, but rather, it was a part of God's divine design.
In verse 2, we learn that John was in the wilderness when the Word of God came to him. While others may have sought prominence and recognition in populated places, John's ministry began in obscurity, highlighting his humble and obedient disposition.
With this initial background, we can recognize John as the preparer – the one appointed by God for a significant purpose, especially during a time when hope and expectation for the Messiah were high.
John's role was to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord. How he carried out this task, and the message he proclaimed, will guide us in understanding how we, too, can be prepared to meet the Lord.
So, let's explore further, keeping in mind that this mission of preparation is not exclusive to John the Baptist. We, too, have a role in preparing ours and other people hearts and lives to meet the Lord.
So, it seems that John the Baptist began his ministry in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, which we've can calculate at around 26 AD. This historical context assures us that John was not a mythical character but a real person who lived in a specific time and place.
It's noteworthy that historical sources beyond the Bible, such as Josephus, the Jewish historian, also acknowledge John the Baptist's existence, reinforcing the fact that he was indeed a historical figure.
In verse 3, it's revealed that John embarked on a journey that took him throughout the regions around the Jordan River. His mission was to proclaim a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. This message was rooted in Scripture, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah, as recorded in Isaiah 40:3-5:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."
(Isaiah 40: 3-5)
John's destiny was clear – he was designated to be the forerunner, charged with the task of preparing the way for the coming of the Lord. His ministry, symbolized through baptism and repentance, was a call for the people to get their hearts and lives in order. The core message he delivered was one of change.
Now, let's take a moment clarify what "repentance" truly means.
Before we proceed further, I'd like to address the common misconceptions surrounding the term "repentance." It's more than mere regret; it's a profound change involving renouncing sin.
Many misconceptions about repentance exist, repentance is probably the most misunderstood word in the bible." To summarize, the meaning of the word "repent" means to change one's mind, but the specific focus of this change varies according to the context. The nature of repentance, as we'll discover, is a key element in John's ministry.
Returning to our passage, in verse 3, we read about John's message of repentance, which is completely connected to receiving the remission of sins. His message was straightforward: people were to change their minds and hearts with the purpose of attaining the remission of their sins. Baptism symbolized this repentance and the receiving of that forgiveness.
What sets John's baptism apart is that he called Jews to repent and prepare for the coming Messiah. This was a radical shift from the usual Jewish practice of baptism, which was mainly reserved for gentile converts.
In Acts chapter 19, we gain further insight when Paul encounters some of John the Baptist's disciples. It's evident that John's mission extended to preparing people for the Messiah, as well as specific elements of his message, as we'll explore in due course.
John's destiny was to prepare the way, and the essence of his message was one of transformation, symbolized outwardly by baptism. He had the vital role of urging people to get ready for the Messiah's arrival, and through his mission, to all humankind, not just the Jews, anyone and everyone would witness the salvation of the Lord.
John the Baptist prepared the hearts and lives of the people for the Messiah's coming, though an approach rooted in spiritual and moral transformation.
In the ancient world, people made extensive preparations for the arrival of emperors and messiahs. However, in John the Baptist's case, his preparation was not concerned with the physical realm but was deeply spiritual and internal.
In the book of Isaiah's, we find symbolism and imagery woven into this divine preparation. It speaks of every mountain and hill being made low, signifying the removal of the mountain of pride. The valleys were to be filled, akin to eradicating the valley of ignorance. Furthermore, the crooked places would be straightened, symbolizing the need to correct twisted thinking.
The essence of these opening verses is that God called upon John to prepare the way for the Messiah. John's preparatory ministry focused on more than external adjustments; it was about an internal transformation. He delivered a message that called people to transform their hearts and minds.
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
(Luke 3: 7-9)
In verse 7, we receive a closer look at the content of John's message. He addressed a multitude who had come to be baptized by him. His opening words, "You Brood of Vipers," are shocking and laden with meaning. The term "brood" signified offspring, but "Vipers" were associated with wickedness, shrewdness, or craftiness. In essence, John was saying, "Sons of snakes, who told you to flee from the wrath to come?"
He was using a common image, related to the time of harvest, when fires were lit in the fields to clear them, causing snakes to flee. By this analogy, John painted a vivid picture of the impending judgment, emphasizing the wrath of God.
Verse 7 ends with a piercing question, "Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" It's a rhetorical question that forces the audience to reflect on their actions and intentions.
Moving on to verse 8, John addressed a crucial aspect of repentance, urging them not to cling to the idea that being descendants of Abraham alone would secure their salvation. He emphasized the need for a change of mind and perspective. Many believed that their physical lineage as children of Abraham guaranteed their place in God's Kingdom. John countered this misconception, instructing them to reconsider this reliance.
In the latter part of verse 8, he vividly expressed the concept that God could raise up children of Abraham even from the very stones of the land.
This statement gains a deeper layer of meaning when we realize that the region around the Jordan River was covered in stones. The message is clear: physical lineage, such as being descendants of Abraham, cannot be the basis for spiritually security.
Now, to truly appreciate John's preaching, we must harmonize it with the content of other scripture passages. When we consider Acts 19 in conjunction with the present context, the complete picture emerges. John was preaching repentance, calling people to a profound change. This change encompassed reorienting their trust. Rather than relying solely on their physical lineage, they were now to place their trust in the Messiah.
The term "repentance" is a vital element in John's message. To grasp its full significance, let's turn to the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verse 6.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
(John 1: 6-8)
John's the Baptist purpose, as described in this passage from the Gospel of Jon is describes as someone who was to bear witness to the Light, Christ, who came to bring belief and transformation to humanity that way.
John's ministry was about more than ritualistic baptism. It was a call to the depths of the heart, urging people to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah through genuine spiritual transformation.
As we explore the message of repentance further in Luke chapter 3 and its connection to John's ministry, we discover that repentance and belief are tightly intertwined. We've seen the importance of changing our trust, shifting from self-reliance to reliance on the Messiah. The root of repentance involves altering the core of our thinking and the fruit of such a repentance should manifests in our actions.
In Luke 3 verse 8, John emphasizes that it's not just about the root, the internal change of mind, but also about the fruit. The fruit of repentance is the visible, outward manifestation of the transformation that occurs within. It's important to note that people often confuse the root with the fruit. Repentance is the root, a change of heart and mind, and belief is the outcome, the fruit.
The process begins with a change of heart, as John proclaimed, followed by baptism. The symbol of baptism is the physical act signifying one's change of heart. The idea is not to create behavior without a transformed belief; instead, it is to ensure that a change of heart and trust in the Messiah is the foundation upon which a new life is built. The fruit, which is the visible manifestation of this change, will naturally follow.
Verse 8 also signifies judgment. It indicates the urgency of the need for repentance. When judgment is imminent, as in the case of Israel, repentance must be immediate. John's message is clear: repent now because judgment is rapidly approaching.
This concept can be likened to a warning siren in the face of imminent danger. Just as sirens provide minutes to take shelter from an incoming rocket, the urgency of John's message is immediate repentance. The impending judgment demands swift and decisive action, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
The rest of this passage, down to verse 20, delves into the responses of the people to John's message. We find three distinct reactions, illustrating the impact of John's ministry.
10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
(Luke 3: 10-15)
Firstly, in verse 10, we encounter people who have genuinely grasped the message of repentance and are now seeking guidance. Their question is clear: "What shall we do then?" These individuals have already undergone a change of heart, and they want to know how to produce the corresponding fruit.
In response to their question, John provides straightforward advice. He emphasizes generosity and sharing, advocating that those with extra clothing should share with those in need. The fruit of their repentance is revealed through their actions. It's not merely about turning away from sin, but about actively demonstrating love and compassion for others.
Secondly, John's message also reaches the tax collectors, a group not typically well-regarded. Verse 12 illustrates a transformation in their hearts and an acknowledgment of their need to align with God's expectations. They approach John, inquiring about their role in this message of repentance.
John instructs them to avoid overcharging, urging them to be fair and honest in their dealings. By following this guidance, they manifest the fruit of their repentance through integrity in their profession.
Lastly, in verse 14, soldiers respond to John's message as well. They, too, have undergone a change of heart and are now seeking guidance. John's message is consistent; he urges them to be fair, avoid intimidating others, and refrain from false accusations. In this way, they produce the fruit of their repentance through just and righteous behavior.
These diverse responses to John's ministry highlight the transformative power of true repentance and the subsequent manifestation of that change in one's actions. It serves as a reminder that repentance is not confined to inward reflection but must be reflected in our interactions with others.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Second Coming
As we conclude our exploration of Luke chapter 3 and John the Baptist's mission to prepare the people for the first coming of the Messiah, it's important to reflect on how the principles embedded in this passage can apply to our preparation for the second coming of Christ.
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[b] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.
(Luke 3: 15-20)
In verse 15, we observe that people were in great anticipation, pondering whether John might be the long-awaited Christ. They responded positively to his message, not by merely saying, "You told us to repent, be baptized, and bear fruit; we will do it." Instead, they went to the heart of the matter and asked, "Are you the Messiah?" This question is significant as it shows that true preparation for the Messiah is not about external actions alone but about understanding His true identity.
John's response in verse 16 is clear: "Not even close." He humbly conveys his unworthiness, stating that he is not even fit to untie the Messiah's sandals. This humility highlights the superiority of the coming Messiah. He is the one who will bring a spiritual baptism – the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which marks the beginning of the church. This baptism is not a mere water ritual but a transformation from within, a profound spiritual experience.
Verse 17 emphasizes the Messiah's role as a judge. He will thoroughly cleanse the threshing floor, gathering the wheat into the barns, while the chaff will be burned with unquenchable fire. John is pointing to the Messiah's authority as the ultimate judge of all humanity.
In the broader context of this passage, we see a range of responses to John's message, from those who believed and responded positively to those who rejected and attacked him. These reactions serve as a reminder that the message of repentance is met with various responses, and true preparation involves not just external actions but a profound understanding of the Messiah's identity.
Furthermore, it's essential to note that the chapter ends with John the Baptist imprisoned by Herod due to his rebuke of Herod's sinful actions. When you bring a message people don't like, they often attack the messenger. The details of his imprisonment are not given here but can be found elsewhere.
So, how can we apply the principles from this passage to prepare for the second coming of the Messiah? I suggest three steps:
Repent: Repentance, as emphasized by John, means changing our minds about our self-reliance and trust in the Messiah. It is an internal transformation of our thinking and belief.
Believe: True repentance is followed by belief. Understand the Messiah's true identity and believe in His transformative power. Just as the people asked John if he was the Messiah, we must deeply understand who Christ is.
Prepare: Recognize that the second coming of Christ involves His role as the ultimate Judge. Prepare for this reality by leading a life that reflects belief and internal transformation. Let your actions demonstrate your faith in Christ.
In closing, John the Baptist prepared the people for the first coming of Christ, emphasizing the importance of repentance and belief. As we look forward to the second coming, let us follow these principles to prepare ourselves for the Messiah's return. Let our repentance be genuine, our belief unwavering, and our preparation steadfast, so we may be ready when He comes again.
Repentance is a transfer of trust, from self-righteousness to the trusting in the saviour righteousness. Now as we've seen in this message the people of John the Baptists time were they trusting in their Jeish national heritage. They needed to transfer their trust from their ancestry to God himself and his perfect righteousness.
And we too, if we want to prepare for the coming of the Lord you need to repent which means transfer your trust to Jesus God’s only son and saviour.