Luke3v1to20: JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY

(A) Introduction. (Read the passage.)

I have written about John the Baptist in expositions on: John1v19to34 and John3v22to36. I will try not to duplicate here what I have written elsewhere.

(B) The beginning of John's ministry.

By way of introduction Luke tells us three things about John's campaign:

(1) When it started.

Luke obviously considered John the Baptist's arrival on the scene of great significance insofar as he dates it with reference to no less than six dignitaries. The Roman Emperor, Tiberius, was in the fifteenth year of his reign. Subsequent to the death of Herod the Great Judea had been divided into three tetrarchs. (A tetrarch was originally the fourth part of a province but it came to mean any subdivision of a province.) Pontius Pilate governed the largest of the tetrarchs still called Judea, Herod Antipas was the puppet king of Galilee and Philip puppet king of Iturea with Traconitis. Lysanias, of whom little is known, was tetrarch of Abilene in the province of Syria. Annas and Caiaphas are both named as high priests. This is because Annas was recognised by the Jews as high priest but the Romans had appointed Caiaphas to replace him. The high priest exerted considerable power in Judea as leader of the Sanhedrin - the Jewish high court.

Luke is very clear that John the Baptist was of much greater significance than all these politically powerful men. Why was that? It was because: The word of God came to John, son of Zechariah. v2. God's word has proved more influential than any earthly ruler. To quote William Cooper:

            A glory gilds the sacred page,
            Majestic, like the sun;
            It gives a light to every age;
            It gives, but borrows none.

(2) Where it germinated. The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.

John must have been in his late twenties when he began his ministry. He spent most the years leading up to his preaching campaign in the Judean desert west of the Dead Sea. In boyhood he may have studied with one of the pious sects like the Essenes before breaking away and meditating in seclusion - living frugally, fasting and praying. It is likely that God's message came to him gradually as he studied the Scriptures and pondered the ills of Jewish society. I also think it likely that groups of pilgrims would visit the holy men in the desert for spiritual edification. So John would not have been completely cut off from the wider world.

Solitude is necessary for thought. Thought is vital for understanding. Moses probably did a lot of thinking during his forty years as a shepherd in Midian. Jesus prepared for the three years he spent teaching about the kingdom of God in a carpenter's shop. Paul spent eight or nine years quietly getting ready to evangelise the Gentiles after being shuffled off to Tarsus by the church at Jerusalem. The reformation owed much to the opportunity Luther had of studying the New Testament without distraction in his monastery. Scholars, teachers, preachers, poets and composers have all, without exception, needed to think in solitude. It is not something we should fear!

(3) Where he preached. He went into all the country around the Jordan. v3.

John's ministry was probably centred on the southern part of the Jordan valley, north of the Dead Sea, and not far from Jericho and Bethany. (See John1v28) It was quite a good strategic location - near centres of population, not far from Jerusalem and close to water for baptism by immersion. It is possible that John ventured father north into Galilee. We know that several of his disciples were Galileans. (See John1v35to42) Once John had established a reputation the people flocked to hear him - wherever he was. He became the latest sensation!

(C) John's message of repentance.

There are three aspects to his message:

(1) A desperate need.

The Jews needed to repent - to change their attitude and behaviour. The later ministry of Jesus revealed how far the people were from God. They were materialistic. Even the disciples were incredulous when Jesus told them it was hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (See Mt19v25) The Pharisees and their supporters were legalistic. Jesus enraged them by healing on the Sabbath. (See Lk6v1to11) The priests were in the main sceptical and many of the common people superstitious. The Sadducees disbelieved in the resurrection of the body (See Mt22v23to33) and ordinary Galileans wanted signs and wonders. (See exposition on John4v43to54.) Almost all the Jews were fiercely nationalistic. John says in the passage we are studying: "And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'" v8. A certain element were fanatical. We see this in the Jew's response to the rumour that Paul had taken Greeks into the temple and their later attempt to assassinate him. (See Acts21v27to32 and Acts23v12to16.)

No statement could be more damning of the Jew's spiritual condition than these words of Jesus: "My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him." Jn9v54and55. The Jews, who prided themselves on being the chosen people of God, did not actually know him at all.

John the Baptist warned the people in the strongest terms of the need for repentance: "And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." v8and9.

There is a lot for men and women to repent of today! I can think of at least three large groups that need to repent:

    (a) The great mass of folk who call themselves Christian but has nothing to do with any church. They would admit to a belief in God but not one who makes any demands upon them. They claim to be sympathetic to Christ's teaching but are turned off by organised religion. The terrible truth is these nominal Christians do not know Jesus and consequentially do know God the Father either.

    (b) Church goers who show little commitment. There are many who attend church once a week who make no attempt to serve Jesus wholeheartedly. These half-hearted Christians, who probably believe that if the worst came to the worst Jesus would forgive them their sins, take with a pinch of salt statements like: "But seek first his (God's) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Mt6v33.

    (c) So called Christians who lack grace. Philip Yancey has some scathing things to say about graceless Christians in his book, 'What's So Amazing About Grace.' Legalism is still a very unlovely characteristic of some to be found in the church. Christians who believe it is more important to be right about everything than it is to love one another are outside the will of God. I like this vivid illustration of what absence of grace leads to. Philip Yancey quotes Mark Twain who used to say he put a dog and cat in a cage together as an experiment, to see if they could get along. They did, so he put in a bird, pig, and goat. They, too, got along fine after a few adjustments. Then he put in a Baptist, Presbyterian, and Catholic; soon there was not a living thing left. See my story, 'A nearly perfect day'.

(2) A declaration of intent. He went into all the country around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. v3.

John's baptism signified several things:

    (a) It showed that a person had experienced a change of heart and intended to live in a way honouring to God.

    (b) It indicated that a person felt the need for cleansing from sin. Immersion was an acknowledgment that the whole man needed to be made clean. Naaman had to immerse himself in the Jordan seven times before his leprosy was cleansed. Gentile proselytes to Judaism were baptised to slough away all the errors, failings and impurities of the old life.

    (c) It demonstrated that God would forgive those who repented of their sins and that a fresh start was possible. In the words of David: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise. Ps54v17. This is a wonderful testimony to God's mercy. He is under no obligation to forgive men and women genuinely sorry for their failures - but he does!

I am sure that a statement of intent is very important. It puts us in the way of doing the right thing and keeps us there. See my story on statements of intent.

(3) A demonstration of genuiness.

There is a suggestion in John's words that some were coming for baptism who had no real intention of changing. Why else would the Baptist have said: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."? v7. In Matthew's gospel the expression, 'You brood of vipers' is used of the Pharisees and Sadducees. It is likely that baptism became the fashionable thing for religious folk to do. It was an ostentatious way for the Pharisees to show how humble they were. They loved to parade their religious zeal - whitening their faces when they fasted and praying at street corners. Satan tempts men to abuse almost every church practice.

There have been periods in the past when it has been fashionable to be a Christian - like during the Puritan ascendancy in Cromwell's reign. Sadly, when the church is at its most influential legalism and hypocrisy are apt to flourish. This is something Dicken's novels illustrate.

It is still not enough to make a profession. Faith without works is dead. Jesus said, echoing the words of John the Baptist: "Everyone tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognise them." Mt7v18.

John gives some very practical advice to different groups on how to demonstrate repentance. He said to:

    (a) Ordinary people: "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." v11.

    This is a very challenging principle because it requires us to put the needs of others before our own security. The man with two tunics probably thought it prudent to keep one in store for when the other wore out. The woman with a pot full of wheat knew it would last longer if she didn't share it.

    Today we are so rich that it costs us very little to give clothes away or to entertain others to a meal. However, it is likely that we have too much saved up! I probably have too much in my bank accounts - as security - in case my central heating needs replacing, to buy a new car, to pay for a hip operation, for nursing care and so on. I have decided not to add to my savings!

    (b) Tax collectors: "Don't collect more than you are required to."

    The Roman system of tax collecting lent itself to profiteering. A province was divided up into districts and a chief tax collector appointed for each of them. The chief tax collectors were given a target to collect from each district. They then subdivided their districts into smaller areas and appointed area tax collectors. The target they were given ensured a healthy profit for the chief tax collector. The area collectors then screwed as much tax out of the people in their area as they could ensuring that they, too, made a profit. It is possible that the Roman authorities gave some guidance to the tax collectors on the sort of mark up they should levy. If that was the case John the Baptist was telling them to stick to this and not to profiteer.

    There are many, many examples of profiteering in our society - exorbitant charges for hospital parking and to have your car unclamped, price fixing by big companies like airlines, sky high interest rates imposed by unscrupulous money lenders, asset stripping, the shocking high price of a rail ticket sold on the day a traveller really needs it, the cost of services like plumbing provided by unscrupulous tradesmen to the old and vulnerable, paying Third World labour a miserable wage for goods sold in the West and so on.

    (c) Soldiers: "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely - be content with your pay."

    The soldiers of Herod Antipas who maintained law and order were told not to abuse their power for gain but to be content with their wages.

    In the 1960's and 70's the unions in Britain misused their power to obtain more pay for their members. The country was held to ransom. It was a miserable time. One of the great contributions Mrs Thatcher made was to bring the unions under the law.

    In many countries public servants misuse their power. I am a great fan of Donna Leon's books about life in Venice. If she is to be believed then it is still easier to get planning permission in Italy if a palm or two is greased. In some African countries border crossings go more smoothly if a little something is contributed to the staff welfare fund.

    But there are other ways to abuse power such as promoting those you like! Church leaders can be too controlling - holding back those who threaten their status or excluding those they disagree with.

(D) The purpose of John's ministry.

John quotes Isaiah40v3to5 to describe the purpose of his ministry. He compared himself to a surveyor preparing the route for a conquering monarch's victory parade from city gate to city centre. The route must be straight, level and smooth.

After all the guests had arrived in Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II a small army of cleaners armed with brushes and Hoovers prepared the way for the royal couple.

John was one who prepared the way for Jesus and his saving work. John prepared the ground - a bit like a company called into clear a site before the commencement of a building project or the officials who meet to do the preliminary work before politicians meet to sign a treaty.

Many servants of Jesus are called upon to prepare the ground - for spiritual revival, spectacular church growth or for individual conversions. The missionaries to China prior to 1940 prepared the way for the subsequent success of the home church movement. There must have been times when they felt like John - "A voice of one calling in the desert."

There were three ways John prepared the way for Jesus. He did so by:

(1) Affirming man's sinfulness.

John highlighted the failings of the Jews. He must have created a certain unease. This was necessary if God's purpose was as stated: "And all mankind will see God's salvation." There was no point God sending a saviour into the world if no-one was aware they needed saving. It would be a bit like the West trying to impose democracy on a country whose population is perfectly content with a benevolent dictator.

So it is today. Unless people are dissatisfied with themselves and uneasy about their relationship with God they are unlikely to go to Jesus for help. He came to seek and to save the lost!

(2) Arousing expectancy of a coming mighty champion.

John made much of the one who would supersede him: "I baptise you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." v16. This is what Luke meant when he wrote: And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. v18. Do we associate John with good news! We should, for he proclaimed that God was sending the Jews both a righteous and all-powerful deliverer.

There can be no question that at the time Jesus commenced his campaign there was a tremendous air of excitement and expectancy concerning the arrival of Messiah. See John1v41.

It is impossible to make too much of Jesus. It is sad when Christians appearing on the media make much of the church, some hero of the faith, faith itself or a religious experience and relegate Jesus to a minor role.

I love the words in John Newton's hymn, 'How sweet the name of Jesus sounds':

            Jesus my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
            My Prophet, Priest and King;
            My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
            Accept the praise I bring.

(3) Announcing 2 aspects of Christ's ministry.

These were:

    (a) Jesus would change lives radically by the gift of his Spirit. "He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit." v16.

    John preached self-reformation. He called on the Jews to improve their conduct. Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again by God's Spirit. Later he made it plain that the Holy Spirit would be given to all who believed in him. In other words the most radical change that accompanies repentance and faith in Jesus is accomplished by God's Spirit. New birth is a gift from God. And of course it does happen!

    (b) Jesus would divide humanity. The baptism of fire divides precious metal from the dross. John reinforces this lesson with reference to the winnowing fork by which a mixture of threshed grain and chaff is thrown into the air to separate one from the other. "His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." v17.

    Jesus does divide men and women into two groups: those that believe and those that don't, the saved and the unsaved, the fruitful and the unfruitful, the blessed harvest and the chaff of the redemption process. One of the crucial aspects of Jesus' teaching is that there are some men and women who end up waste products of God's redemptive purpose. They will be treated like chaff and utterly destroyed. See section on hell in exposition on the afterlife.

Finally we cannot conclude without:

(4) Assessing how well John prepared the Jews for the coming of Jesus Christ.

It is unfair to compare John's preliminary campaign with all Jesus achieved in his three-year ministry. It is like comparing the ground that has just been cleared for a prestigious building project with the project itself. Even so I do not feel that John the Baptist prepared his hearers for the redeeming work of Jesus. At its simplest John warned the people that they had better get their act together quickly because one was coming with great expectations and if they didn't measure up so much the worse for them. John emphasised Christ's judgment rather than his love for sinful men and the sacrifice he would make for them. He did not prepare anyone for the eventuality that the Messiah's God given task was to suffer, bleed and die.

However, God does not judge like I judge! Jesus was able to recruit the majority of his disciples from amongst John the Baptist's followers. They were but a few! Nevertheless, Jesus reckoned they were all, except for Judas, given to him by the Father. These few men, whose early spiritual development owed much to John the Baptist, were to be the founding fathers of the church. This should be an encouragement to everyone who spends most of their time laying foundations.

(E) John's courage.

John spoke up against corruption in high places. He denounced the immorality of Herod Antipas who married his niece, Herodias, after inducing her to divorce his half-brother.

It is very dangerous to challenge those in authority as Thomas More found out. He never agreed to Henry VIII's divorce of Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. He didn't attend the wedding. It cost him his life.

It remains perilous to challenge those in authority. I found as a teacher that it rarely paid to oppose senior management. There was a price to pay! All I can say is that mankind as a whole owes much to those brave souls who have had the courage of their convictions. Where would we be without them!

ANY COMMENTS FOR JOHN REED: E-mail jfmreed@talktalk.net

INDEX NEXT