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The Judean wilderness is harsh and bleak. The people who created the famous Dead Sea Scrolls lived in this wilderness. From this rugged land came the rugged, blunt prophet John. He heralded the Messiah’s nearness, and baptized those who repented. Bear in mind: “repent” means, not toxic self-hatred, but a moral choice to turn around and live a new way.
- Matthew gives a very concise summary of John’s preaching in verse 2. What are the key parts of the message? What is there about that message that would draw many people from the relative comfort of Jerusalem into the wilderness to listen and be baptized? In what ways do we need to hear John’s message today?
- In verses 9-10, John challenged those who thought their ethnic or religious heritage alone made them close to God. How can family tradition or church affiliation take the place of a living personal union with God? Do religious as well as non-religious people need to hear and heed John’s call to repent?
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