The Forerunner on His Mission!
He went into the whole region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3
Advent is the first season of the Church Year. It means “coming.” The anniversary of the “coming” of Jesus celebrates the event of his birth. It also serves as a reminder that there is going to be another “coming” of Jesus. We need to be ready.
One of the features of the Gospel of Luke is that he pinpoints the events he recorded to important events in the life of the original participants. The “first census” of Luke 2, Jesus’ birth. In our verse the appearance of John the Baptist “in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar.” These things happened at specific times. It records how God is in control.
Our verse today says, John, the son of Zechariah “went into the whole region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” The people had lost their way. The Israelites were longing for the Messiah to come. He would rule with justice and righteousness.
John was sent on a mission of good news. But the good news came through “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Yes, the Messiah was coming. It is necessary to prepare for him. The baptism of repentance that John administered was the preparation to receive Jesus.
Repentance is still the way of preparation for Jesus. Each day we repent and each day the assurance is given that Jesus has taken our sins. By faith in Jesus our future is secured. We rejoice in that great news and look forward to his return.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the victory over our sin and death. We rejoice in your salvation and eagerly await the day of your return. Amen.