The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

JOHN’S BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE

John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth and was a cousin of Jesus (Lk 1). His birth was a signal of the coming of the Messiah, and Jesus himself said that there was none “greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11). John called his followers to repent from their wrongdoing because of the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. In order for people to repent, they had to recognize and acknowledge the fact that they were not living lives that glorified God.

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus echoes John’s call as he preaches the same message of repentance. Believers are expected to live lives that honor and glorify God. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he explained what it means to live according to the standard that God has set — in a way that mirrors the Father’s heart — and he also lived a life that believers are meant to imitate. Obviously it is impossible to be completely like Jesus; after all, he was perfect. But the first step for anyone to begin to live according to Scripture is to repent and turn away from that which is wrong or sinful.

Jesus, if there is anything in my life that is against you, please point it out to me and set me free of it. I want to live a life that glorifies you. Amen.