Matthew 3: 1-12
When a Bible story has a lot of detail, the writer is saying: these events really happened, just as they are described. The John the Baptist story, therefore, has much to say to every reader, then and now.
The story of John the Baptist makes clear: God can and does invite everyone into God’s presence and ministries. I think the author of Matthew’s point is: if God can invite and enable such an odd duck as John to practice such an amazing ministry, there is hope for us, too.
John the Baptist began his adult life as a social misfit. His manner of dress; living alone in the desert; manner of speech – which was rather accusatory; all these characteristics describe John as an odd character. His clothing, diet and lifestyle made him more than an object of curiosity – or rejection – by people. His life choices and manner of speaking got people’s attention and derision.
Rather than invite and encourage people to hear his good news about the Messiah, John’s message was confrontational and judgemental. We can only imagine how people who heard him would react! Moreover, the way he addressed the Pharisees and Sadducees – men, who had dedicated their lives to following and serving God – was indefensible. “You brood of vipers” was an inexcusable way to speak to anyone!
John the Baptist’s point in addressing everyone who heard him was: just because we share a common ancestor (Abraham), and all of the pious claims its religious leaders have taught ever since, does not make us any different from anyone else in God’s love. All people are loved, equally, by God. Everyone is judged by God the same way. In other words, no one is better than anyone else just because of ancestral and religious claims.
For all of John’s oddness etc., he did invite people to be baptized by him. Baptism, then, was of repentance – or, turning toward God. All of us sin; it’s part of our nature. We will never stop sinning – again, because it is our nature. But as we turn to God – as a sunflower turns to the sun – we receive God’s love and forgiveness for the mistakes we have made. In Baptism, we deliberately choose to accept God’s promise, that the Holy Spirit will guide and bless us always.
We learn from John’s message, and modern teachings, that baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. It is not a special badge that makes us better than other people. As we learn in subsequent Gospel stories and Acts, people were blessed by the Holy Spirit just as the baptized were/are. What God does is all about God – not us. Our turning (repentance) to God is our deliberate way of asking the Holy Spirit to come into our lives.
So what?
The story of John the Baptist makes clear: God can and does invite everyone into God’s presence and ministries. I think the author of Matthew’s point is: if God can invite and enable such an odd duck as John to practice such an amazing ministry, there is hope for us, too. If John’s verbal attacks on religious leaders brought positive changes in people’s lives, what can Good News, patience and love do?
So, the story of John the Baptist is not just an eyebrow-raising tale about an odd character. It is a proclamation of Good News for everyone.
D. Browning