Matthew 3:1–12 — John the Baptist Prepares the Way
It was a time when religion, even good religion and theology, had become empty ritual for so many. It was a time when many were longing for something authentic in their communities of faith but not finding it.
It was a time when masses of common folks were willing to go outside of the temples, synagogues, and traditional places of worship and religious instruction ti hear an uncredentialed and untitled teacher tell them some raw truth about living faith that actually plays out in lifestyle change while being genuinely and deeply spiritual.
It was something practical and spiritual that John the Baptist referred to when he proclaimed.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: — Matthew 3:11
How did all of those people find John?
After all, he was not in town. On the other hand, if a man is on fir…
