Reading
SAA Notes
John the Baptist and Jesus’ genetic genealogy are today’s subjects. Matthew’s genealogy lists the heirs of Abraham and David (an heir was called the person’s son, though not always the actual son). Luke lists the actual father/son line. Notice that Solomon is not listed, but his full brother Nathan.
SJA Notes
* God Above, Your word is life to us, Your commandments like precious gold.
“So with many other exhortations he preached the good news to the people.”
John cuts right to the chase, he is the razorblade to the stubble.
And we see that EXHORTATIONS are an important mechanic in preaching the GOOD NEWS.
John points to the One (Jesus) who has His winnowing fork in His hand to clear the threshing floor.
It is important to be reminded of what good news really is.
We are called to repentance – To put away the things the world likes (selfishness, greed, lording over people, never satisfied).
We are called to bear fruits in keeping with this repentance.
These are not easy words to hear – The good news is GOOD but it is a hard word for the world, for the things of the world, for those who refuse to let go of the world.
Remember the different soils. We must be good soil, bearing fruit one-hundred-fold for God’s kingdom.
* Almighty God,
Thank You for the pointer-sign in what John the Baptist tells us.
Thank You that He showed us Jesus, that he preached the good news to those around him.
Please help us to do the same. To point people to Jesus.
Amen.