Sunday 04 December 2022
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptised by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (vs 5-6)
Background
If you take a quick look at a map, perhaps at the back of your Bible, you will note that the crowds arriving on the banks of the River Jordan to hear John and to be baptised by him came from a significantly wide area. It encompassed the city of Jerusalem, the Judean hill country and the fertile strip of land along the Jordan valley. Matthew seeks to emphasise the size of the gathering, repeating the word ‘all’. And, along with them, came the religious authorities, the Pharisees and Sadducees, whose sincerity Matthew obviously found problematic!
The question is: what drew people to hear John and to be baptised by him? Clearly, it must have been more than mere curiosity – fascinating though a young and outspoken preacher, clad only in a camel skin with a leather belt, must have been! Were they so discouraged and downtrodden by Roman occupation that any message of hope was worth hearing? Listening to John, did they catch a glimpse of his vision and hear the promise of better things – the kingdom of heaven, in fact?
Visions and promises are what keep those under pressure going, they offer hope. We are living in a time when many feel overwhelmed by circumstances such as the ongoing pandemic, economic uncertainties related to the war in Ukraine, and threats from climate change. Who can offer a vision for the future, make promises that will be fulfilled?
To Ponder:
- How are you feeling right now, as 2022 draws to a close and as 2023 lies before you? Have you a vision to share with others?
- What seems to offer you promise and hope today? Can you think why?
Prayer
Loving God, grant me the vision to remember that you are Immanuel – God with me – and you promise to be with me always. Amen.