John the Baptist was like a defensive end in football whose team was way ahead in the game. That means the other team had to abandon their running game because they needed lots of points in a hurry. Knowing that he didn’t have to defend against the run, John could put devote his focus and energy on going after the quarterback. As any offensive lineman will tell you, it’s very difficult to block a defender when there is no run threat.
But of course, John wasn’t going after a quarterback—he was going after Israel. He begins by calling them “a brood of vipers” (3:7). It’s true they are “coming out to be baptized by him” (v. 7), but apparently it is little more than pretense. The reality is they are a hardened people in need of a hard message. A pill won’t do and neither will a shot, or even some minor surgery. They need a new heart!
Luke tells us that John is “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin.” At this time, baptism was generally something undergone only by those outside the covenant (Gentiles). Because of their habitual waywardness, John is treating the nation like someone who doesn’t know God!
The baptism he’s calling them to represents a new beginning where will they will live in sensitivity to God and His will rather than ignoring it as they have been doing. That’s why John isn’t interested in anyone claiming repentance—he wants to see proof of it by their actions (“produce fruit in keeping with repentance” – v. 8). For those who reject his message, “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (v. 9).
Here’s the amazing part. Standing in line with this group waiting to be baptized . . . is Jesus! Who would have thought it? The sinless son of God lining up with a group of hard-hearted, apathetic sinners. What will people think? Doesn’t He care about His reputation?
What He cares about is His people, Israel (Matthew 23:37-39). He’s left heaven to rescue them and this is where it begins . . . not in the Temple at Jerusalem but in the wilderness along the banks of the Jordan River. He doesn’t present Himself to the high priest but to a man wearing a camel hair garment living off locusts and honey. By doing so, He sends the message that He has not come for the the elite but the oppressed, the penitent rather than the prideful. He has no need to repent or have His sins forgiven; but He does want to identify with those who do. This is our Savior!
No wonder heaven opens and the Spirit comes down upon Him. No wonder God takes the occasion to publicly recognize Jesus as His Son and tell the world He loves Him and is proud of Him.
Don’t we feel the same way?
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 