Repentance, ruffled feathers, and Crocs

Before we meet the adult Jesus in Matthew's gospel, we're introduced to John the Baptist. John had a clear message about how to prepare for Jesus: "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near". People flocked to see John in the wilderness to hear this good news and be baptised for the forgiveness of sins.

John's message would have been astounding to those people. God was doing a new thing! And to be part of it, all it required was to turn from the old life and embrace what Jesus has to offer! Not surprisingly, this ruffled the feathers of the religious authorities. John called them out for failing to produce fruit and for relying on their status as children of Abraham. 

The short interaction John has with the religious leaders is important for us for two reasons. First, it introduces us to one of the most central aspects of the Jesus movement - to be part of it, all that's required is repentance. That means leaving behind the old ways that aren't working for us, and saying yes to the new things Jesus offers us. Contrary to what the religious leaders thought about their ethnic profile, it does NOT depend on what credentials we have. There's nothing we can do to make God make us love us any more or any less. All that's asked is to turn towards Jesus.

Second, John's message is a reminder to us: don't miss out. John says Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire. What's on offer is for God's spirit to dwell with us. It will help us become more like Jesus by burning away the things in us that don't lead to life. John calls the people to accept that invitation. The offer still stands today, 2,000 years later, for us. Don't miss out!