John the Baptist tells of the coming of the Messiah
(From the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, verses 7-18)
Many, many people came to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. Some of them did this because it seemed like a cool thing to do. Others did it because their friends were doing it, too.
John felt like they were not taking it seriously. He began to yell at them: "You snakes! Look at you, slithering down to the water! Who do you think you are? Do you actually think a little water is going to change everything in your life? You are SO WRONG! You have to change everything about your life to get right with God again."
Some people in the crowd asked John, "What should we do to get right with God?"
John replied, "Share what you have with those who do not have enough. If you have two coats, give one away. If you have plenty of food, then feed someone who is hungry."
A group of tax collectors came to be baptized by John. As they stepped into the water they asked, "Teacher, what should we do to get right with God?"
John baptized them and said, "You are charging people more than they owe. Then you keep the extra for yourselves. Stop doing that!"
Roman soldiers came to be baptized. They asked John, "And what about us? What should we do to get right with God?"
John baptized them and said, "Be satisfied with the amount of money you are earning for the work you do. Don't threaten the people you are paid to protect. Stop forcing them to pay you extra to keep them safe."
Everyone was fascinated by the way John looked (he was pretty wild and dirty!), and by what he said and did. Many began to wonder if John might be the Messiah – God's Chosen One.
John told them, "I am not the Messiah, but he is coming soon – I am sure of it! He has a much more powerful connection to God than I do. I am baptizing you with water. But he will baptize you with the energy of the Holy Spirit and you will be changed from the inside out. He will get you ready to do the work of God's Kingdom."
John's words sounded like very good news to many people. They began to get excited with the news that God's Chosen One – the Messiah – was coming!
Questions to think and pray about:
Who is the Messiah, the One chosen by God?
What is the work of God's Kingdom?
What are you getting excited about during this season of Advent?