Fear, Creation, and the Promise of Peace
Encounters with wildlife can stir fear—black bears in apple trees, a mountain lion crossing a field. Those moments make us aware of our vulnerability on this earth. Yet they also point to a greater reality: God created animals and humans to live in harmony, and the ultimate restoration will remove fear entirely. In the new earth there will be perfect peace. The promise is simple and powerful: one day the conflict will be over, and we will hear the words, "Your conflict is over. Welcome to the joy of your Lord."
Until that day, we are called to prepare the way to meet Jesus. We see a clear biblical example of this in the life and ministry of John the Baptist.
John the Baptist in Matthew 3: A Message that Pierces
John stands out in Scripture as the one who prepared the people to meet the Messiah. His message was direct and convicting: repent, turn from sin, and seek newness of life. He lived simply, sought the lost, baptized those who confessed their sins, and warned the church against false security.
God does not send his messengers to flatter. He delivers no message of peace till lull the unsanctified into fatal security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction.
John's baptism pointed forward to the work of Christ. When Jesus came to be baptized, John recognized Him immediately:
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John saw the Holy Spirit descend like a dove and heard the Father's voice. He identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." John did not baptize himself out of guilt; he identified with sinners and set the example of humble obedience and patient endurance.
When Doubt Comes: John in Prison
Even the greatest servants of God can face seasons of doubt. While John was imprisoned, anxiety crept in and he sent two disciples to Jesus with a question: "Are you he that should come, or should we look for another?" The question came after years of prophetic certainty, after witnessing the Spirit and the Father's voice.
Jesus answered not with rhetoric but with evidence. He pointed to the works being done—the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, lepers cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead raised, and the gospel preached to the poor. He quoted Isaiah and reminded John that the Messiah's presence is validated by mercy, healing, and restoration.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Jesus acknowledged the pain, but He offered perspective and consolation. Even in John’s weakest hour He affirmed John's greatness: among those born of women there had not risen a greater than John the Baptist.
The Character of the One Who Prepared the Way
From the biblical portrait of John we can draw practical characteristics for anyone called to prepare the way for Christ today. John modeled:
- Boldness—He called sin by its right name and urged repentance.
- Simplicity—He lived humbly, with plain clothing and a simple diet, prioritizing God's work over worldly comforts.
- Evangelistic zeal—He sought people for heaven and baptized those who desired newness of life.
- Warning against false security—He challenged the notion that association with a religious community guarantees salvation.
- Doctrinal firmness—He was not swayed by every wind of teaching but stood on the Word of God.
- Honest faith—He asked hard questions while keeping faith in the Son of God.
- Faithfulness unto death—He paid the ultimate price for truth and died as a martyr.
What Binds People Today?
Sin remains the imprisoning force of humanity. It is not always a literal jail, but it is a captivity of heart and habit. John’s ministry demonstrates that calling sin by its right name is an act of mercy. When we speak truth in love, we unshackle people from the deception that comfort and conformity equal righteousness. Light exposes darkness, and that exposure is the first step toward cleansing and freedom.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light; because their deeds were evil.
Faith, Questions, and Endurance
Questioning in seasons of trial is not proof of lost faith. John questioned, and Jesus met him with reassurance and evidence. Christians will face discouragement, persecution, and misunderstanding. The promise is clear: those who endure to the end shall be saved. Our calling is to hold fast, not because we never stumble, but because we refuse to be overcome by doubt.
Practical Application: Prepare the Way Today
Preparing the way to meet Jesus in our time looks much like John’s ministry. Practically, we are called to:
- Live simply and humbly, putting Christ's mission ahead of personal gain.
- Speak truth in love about sin and offer the remedy of repentance and Christ’s cleansing.
- Minister mercy and compassion, echoing the works that validated Jesus’ mission.
- Warn against complacency and pride, reminding people salvation is personal, not associative.
- Stand firm on Scripture amid shifting doctrines and cultural pressures.
- Remain faithful even when suffering or persecution comes, trusting God’s ultimate justice and reward.
Communion and Foot Washing: Remembering the Lamb
The observance of foot washing and communion draws us back to the heart of what John preached: behold the Lamb of God. Foot washing models humility and cleansing. In the upper room Jesus knelt as a servant, washing the feet of those who would later fail, deny, and betray. He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Communion calls us to behold Christ upon the cross—the Lamb who was slain for our sins so we might be made new. This encounter is not merely ritual; it is transformational. By contemplating His sacrifice we receive a heart of flesh in place of stone, renewed courage, humility, and aflame compassion for others.
Conclusion: Behold the Lamb
John’s life challenges us to both examine and recommit. Be bold in calling sin by its name. Be humble in lifestyle. Seek the lost and offer baptismal newness. Warn against false security and cling to the Word. When doubts come, bring them to Jesus. He will answer with evidence of His mercy and reaffirm our place in His plan.
Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
May our lives and words point others to that Lamb. May our timidness become boldness, our pride become humility, and our complacency turn to action. Prepare the way, proclaim the hope, and live as if the King is at hand.
You can listen to the sermon here!