01/06 - God Was Back in the Prophet-Sending Business

Matthew 3:1-12

Everything about John the Baptist and his methods go against today’s accepted wisdom for generating spiritual revival.

First, he was an extreme eccentric. He ate strange foods and dressed in course clothing. John looked odd and probably smelled unpleasant.

Second, John chose a poor location for his work. Commonsense says to do big ministry in major population centers. Folks in big cities such as Jerusalem had to travel a day or more to hear his message.

Third, his personality was gruff, blunt, even rude, and his message was threatening and unpleasant. When he finally got the attention of mainstream religious people—both conservatives (Pharisees) and liberals (Sadducees)—he insulted them and called them names instead of making them his allies.

John’s methods and personal qualities did not hinder his success. In fact, many people came to see him out of curiosity, got caught up in his message, and became his disciples.

John accomplished his main goal: preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. His preaching caused thousands of people to examine their hearts, repent, and dedicate themselves to God. Many of these people later migrated to Jesus’ ministry, and several in his inner circle of twelve were first followers of John.

The people felt anticipation because of John. No prophet had come in many generations, and the sending of John signaled that God was in the prophet-sending business again. And if God would send one prophet, He might soon send another one, exactly like John was saying. When Jesus started his ministry, he found a nation expectant that God was at work.