Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSV)
Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, Verse 16John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Verse 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Verse 21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, Verse 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotion
Huge crowds of people came out to see John baptize and to hear his teachings about justice and the coming of God’s Kingdom. They were, no doubt, impressed by this man, living in the wilderness, refusing to compromise with corruption, eating bugs, and “calling a thing what it is.” Some wondered if he was the promised messiah.
John spoke humbly and forcefully against their suppositions. John pointed out what the crowd had witnessed: he baptized with water. The coming messiah would baptize with fire. John warned people to repent. Jesus will winnow the people who refuse to repent, while safeguarding those who do. John and Jesus both announced that God’s Kingdom was at hand, but their ministries were profoundly different. John could have stayed silent, and let people continue to think that he was the messiah. Instead, he spoke out and prepared the people to meet Jesus.
Prayer
Speaking God, help us to hear the truth from you. Cause us to be humble messengers of your truth. We seek the comfort of your voice! Amen.
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