Matthew 3:1–12 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 3:1–12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 3In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, Verse 2"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Verse 3This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" Verse 4Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Verse 5Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, Verse 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Verse 7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Verse 8Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Verse 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Verse 10Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Verse 11"I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Verse 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Devotion
Advent readings often use vivid language to draw us into rich imagery and spectacle. From the root of Jesse to the promises of a coming Savior, the language invites us to visualize God’s unfolding plan. And now, we encounter John the Baptist in the wilderness—eating locusts, wild honey, dressed in camel’s hair, and wearing a leather belt. Why does Matthew include these striking details about John?
The point is not so much about what he wears or how he looks; it’s about the message he proclaims. God doesn’t always speak in ways we expect. Often, God’s Word comes through the unexpected—like a locust-eating man from the wilderness. Matthew is urging us to notice the details, but not to get distracted by them. The call is simple yet powerful: Repent and prepare.
We live in a world full of distractions, where messages are often designed to seduce and divert our attention. Advent is a time to quiet those distractions and listen closely for the pure voice of God—the voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
Prayer
God of preparation—quiet our mind this Advent season that we may hear your call from unexpected places. Amen.
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