The Preaching of John the Baptist - Matthew 3:1-12

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 3:1-12 (ESV)

QUESTION

John the Baptist preached repentance. I sure would love to know what those sermons sounded like. Based on the description of John and his future behavior with Herod, I imagine them to be fiery and dynamic. But what about the content? Oh to have just one podcast or youtube clip to be able to listen to the content! The main question I have is, was John preaching repentance as an act of obedience, or a response to a greater message? And if a response to a greater message, why say that John preached repentance? (I think we can apply the same to the idea of baptism, since this was also a major component of John's message.)

ANSWER?

I think the answer to the above question as to whether he preached repentance as an act or response can be found starting in verse 7.

7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruit in keeping with repentance."


This verse seems to clarify that John was not preaching an act of obedience. If he were, why make such a statement to the Pharisees and Sadducees? The repentance that John was preaching required fruit as its proof. If you truly have a repentant attitude, then it will show beyond the mere statement, "I repent." While I have no access to what John spoke of when he preached, since it was guided by the same Holy Spirit as guided Jesus, I must assume that the message was in line with that of Jesus. I think of His most famous and longest recorded sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, which quickly follows this account.

Teaching about how we are the salt of the earth. True repentance would cause one to take on the qualities of salt, preserving and adding flavor to the world. Mere obedience would not. Teaching about anger. Jesus' teaching on anger goes beyond the mere obedience of "Do not be angry," but goes on to say that even as small an action as calling someone a fool make him liable to the fires of hell. He goes on to speak of the need for reconciliation. Teaching that goes beyond the mere obedience of "Do not commit adultery" to the saying that even to look at a woman with lustful intent is to commit adultery.

I think it goes back to the idea of Joseph being called a just man when he would not subject Mary to shame. Obedience dictated that he should have had her stoned. But holiness said otherwise.

John preached repentance. But I believe it was so much more than what we consider repentance to be today. John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, and in doing so, his message had to be one that brought more than just a response of mere obedience. It had to be one of total commitment. That is why his statement to the Pharisees and Sadducees was so strong. Just as strong as it would be today, if we showed up to hear his message.

But that's just my opinion.