The Law in 90 Days: Leviticus 19-21
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 3:3 (ESV); For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The
voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”
John the Baptist’s message was simple: “Repent and be baptized!” When he saw the Pharisees
– those religious leaders who valued outward behaviour while inwardly fostering pride and
impenitence – John called out, “You brood of vipers!” “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance!” In
a religion where people were taught by their leaders that God cares only about appearances,
John’s message was much needed: fruit without repentance is false. The message of the baptizer
was prophesied over 800 years before he was born by the prophet Isaiah, who said that one
would come who would prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus would do the
redemptive work, but God will not enter into a hard heart where He is unwanted. John’s testimony
was necessary to show the people their need for a Saviour.
Repentance prepares our heart for the work of Jesus. It readies us to receive His forgiveness and
transforming power. It clears a path for Jesus to really get to work in us. Reading on in John’s
instruction, we see him telling the people that their credentials as “sons of Abraham” are not
enough. And so the people ask him, “What then shall we do?” John’s advice is simple. Get rid of
greed. He tells the man with two tunics to share one, the tax collector to take only what is due, and
the soldier to be content with his pay.
John made it clear that he was not the Christ, but his message was necessary. One was coming
who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. In order to be full of the Spirit, we must be rid
of those things that hinder: the greed, pride and selfishness that so easily entangles.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything that is obstructing the way of what He wants to do in
your heart. Confess these things.
2. Ask God what the people asked John: “What shall I do, Lord?” Ask God what He desires from
you as His follower.
3. How can you be a voice for the Lord today? Pray that you would consciously lead people
closer to Jesus today.
