The Jesse Tree - December 21

Today's text - Matthew 3:1-6

I wonder if John the Baptist turned out like his parents expected?

I mean when you hear Gabriel's glowing promise of a son, I'm not sure Zachariah and Elizabeth pictured

a wilderness camper,

wearing clothes woven from camels hair (have you ever been around camels?)

cinched with a leather belt,

living on locusts and honey.

"We're so proud of you son!"

or

"Why can't you go to the University of Jerusalem like all your friends?"

One thing is sure - John was living out his mission.

Preparing the way for the Lord.

Like Elijah.

7 “What sort of man was he?” the king demanded. “What did he look like?”
8 They replied, “He was a hairy man, (or he wore clothing made of hair) and he wore a leather belt around his waist." Elijah from Tishbe!” the king exclaimed. - 2 Kings 1:7-8

hmm . . .

Sound familiar?

No Israelite with any knowledge of Scripture was going to miss the symbolism here.

John was Elijah returning.

Did you know Elijah never died (at least the first time)?

11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more.

Elijah was to come back to prep Israel for the coming of the Lord . . .

“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives. - Malachi 4:5

Jesus confirmed it . . .

And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. - Matthew 11:14

Which means we should listen to John . . .

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! - Isaiah 40:3

And this was John's message. . . .

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

and this . . .

¹⁰ The crowds asked, “What should we do?”¹¹ John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”¹² Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”¹³ He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”¹⁴ “What should we do?” asked some soldiers.John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

If John is preparing the way for Jesus, are you prepared?