Matthew 3:7-12

“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.” vs. 11

John didn’t mince words in his sermons to those who gathered to hear his message. He told them clearly that remorse and good intentions were not enough. “Bear fruit worthy of repentance,” he shouted, and the crowds lined up to be baptized. Even with that visible response, we sense that John sensed the ultimate futility of what he preached, that the people wouldn’t be able to produce the fruit they craved. Real change would continue to elude them no matter how hard they tried. We know the feeling well. We’re aware of our need for repentance…we hear the voice of the law from every direction, “Get thin, stop drinking, start loving, be kind, exercise, practice….” And no matter how sincere our resolve, the changes just don’t seem to happen. John knew that, perhaps he had experienced it in his own life, so he offers a word of hope. He tells the people clearly that what they’re doing in the Jordan is only a start, that one with more power than he is on the way. And that’s what happened. In Jesus the chaff of sin is burned away and the power of the Holy Spirit changes lives. Love, joy, kindness, gentleness, patience…all the fruits abound, and we know peace.

Thought for the Day: Why do some say that they have no need of repentance?