Luke
3:18-22
18 So with many other
exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who
had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil
things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that
he locked up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were
baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens
were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended
on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with
you I am well pleased.”
Many
people like the story of John the Baptist. But this is really about Herod the
tetrarch who has done many evil things. Herod married his brother’s wife. Herod had done many
wicked things. He further acts wicked when he in prisons John the Baptist and
will further behead him.
As a
prophet of Israel it is the pleasure to preach good news to the people. It is a
joy to tell people their sins are forgiven. It is the joy of Baptism and Holy
Communion. But there is also the responsibility to call out the wickedness of
the world.
A prophet
of Israel has to call out this country for its abominable support of
wickedness. He has to call out the lack of justice for victims and for
criminals. He has to remind people there are eternal consequences for their
actions. John the Baptist does not hold his tongue in telling political
leaders, religious leaders, and everyone else how wicked they are.
You are
wicked. You live in a world full of sinners. You have fallen short. But John
the Baptist calls us to repent of our sins and receive forgiveness. The good
news is still there for you. Christ dies for your forgiveness. Christ provides
eternal justice for all your actions. Ahhh.. Good News … You are Forgive!
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