Advent in Reflection: John the Baptist’s Announcement

As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

Perhaps it is slightly odd to reflect on the coming of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. Usually this is done during the season following Christmas, known as “Epiphany.” While Epiphany typically begins with Jesus’ temptation following the story of his baptism, I would like to take one step back and look at John the Baptist. In considering the coming of Christ, it is important to observe John’s role in heralding the coming of one who will “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Though Israel had returned to her land, she was still enslaved. Enslaved by Rome, who by this point controlled the south, including Jerusalem. Enslaved by the Roman emperor, the “son of god.” Enslaved by the Jewish courts, the corrupt Herod Antipas, the “king of the Jews,” and Philip. Enslaved even by the high priests. Though the exile was over, the people were still slaves expecting a new Exodus and another deliverer. As had always been the case, however, if God were going to return to the people, then the people must return to him (see Malachi 3:7).

And so John comes onto the scene, proclaiming this word to the towns and villages to return, or repent. The time had come for God’s own coming amongst his enslaved people and with him both mercy and judgment. As one commentator writes, “He isn’t a tame God” (Wright, 33). The kingdom was near. The time had also come for the peoples’ return to Yahweh. The people must, once again, cross through the waters of the Jordan.

This would require much more than merely a symbolic gesture, though. Preparing for the coming of the true king of the Jews required a complete reorientation of obedience and no more wasting time. It is not of little significance that John, here, focuses on the peoples’ treatment of each other, particularly the poor and hungry. If God was bringing justice to the world, a major part of their expectation, then those who were a part of his kingdom must participate in his justice! If God was bringing mercy to the world, then those who were a part of his kingdom must participate in his mercy! This intersection of justice and mercy would be displayed in no greater way than through the pouring out of love on the cross.

The message had been proclaimed. The word of judgment upon the wicked and unjust had been spoken. The good news and word of grace for those willing to repent had been declared. The Messiah was coming! God’s kingdom was near!