DAY ONE – Wednesday, March 2, 2022 (Ash Wednesday)
Matthew 3:1-11
In this passage, John the Baptist appears and preaches in the wilderness of Judea. “Repent” is his message to the people, for he tells them that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. God is making a way through John for all people to come to Jesus.
The people were to purify themselves in readiness for the coming of the Lord. One kind of purification was the cleansing by water; namely baptism.
Jerusalem, Judea and the entire region around Jordan went out to see John and to be baptized in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. It is both a physical cleansing and a cleansing from sin that takes place. The action of baptism was in response to the word that John preached - to repent. John the Baptist also warns that a deeper purification is coming from someone mightier than he.
The reason that John calls the Pharisees and Sadducees out in such harsh words is that they were not bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. He wants them to demonstrate true change in the way that they live their lives, otherwise there will be consequences.
The way to Jesus is being prepared for us. It is an easy route to travel. We must be prepared to make any necessary changes in our lifestyle to complete this journey. I myself need to examine the fruit that my life is currently producing, to renounce sin and serve God faithfully.
I believe that this passage is reminding everyone to get their lives in order and be ready for the coming of the Lord. Let’s renew ourselves to that commitment during this time of Lent.
Doug Suppelsa
Matthew 3:1-11
In this passage, John the Baptist appears and preaches in the wilderness of Judea. “Repent” is his message to the people, for he tells them that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. God is making a way through John for all people to come to Jesus.
The people were to purify themselves in readiness for the coming of the Lord. One kind of purification was the cleansing by water; namely baptism.
Jerusalem, Judea and the entire region around Jordan went out to see John and to be baptized in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. It is both a physical cleansing and a cleansing from sin that takes place. The action of baptism was in response to the word that John preached - to repent. John the Baptist also warns that a deeper purification is coming from someone mightier than he.
The reason that John calls the Pharisees and Sadducees out in such harsh words is that they were not bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. He wants them to demonstrate true change in the way that they live their lives, otherwise there will be consequences.
The way to Jesus is being prepared for us. It is an easy route to travel. We must be prepared to make any necessary changes in our lifestyle to complete this journey. I myself need to examine the fruit that my life is currently producing, to renounce sin and serve God faithfully.
I believe that this passage is reminding everyone to get their lives in order and be ready for the coming of the Lord. Let’s renew ourselves to that commitment during this time of Lent.
Doug Suppelsa
