Matthew 3:1-12 continuing…

v. 7 –

Let’s take a look at the confrontation that takes place between the Baptist, the legalists and the liberals. John Baptist immediately recognizes them as poisonous snakes, and he calls them such. Now, today, we would hear comments from the crowd, if a preacher were to say something so brash. Some would say, “He shouldn’t have said that”; others might add, “Well, that was just rude”, still others might say, “You can’t draw a crowd like that”. Did John care? I think he cared for the people, but not for the cold hearted attitudes of these rebellious religious leaders who cared nothing for the truth or whether the Messiah was coming or not.

These “Leaders” were subtle like a serpent. There is evidence that there were some serpents in the land of Israel that appear as sticks as they lay so still, and unmoving; someone could inadvertantly pick one up and be bitten by it. John’s condemnation of them immediately relates them to their spiritual father – the devil. Later Jesus Himself would call them a “Brood of vipers” (Matthew 23:33).

Calling religious leaders a “Brood of vipers” would certainly not be a way to get into goods with the denominational crowd or elite. It is not the way to win friends and influence people. At least not according to our modern folklore. Preaching is out. Singing, concerts, drama, sports, etc. is what is the in thing. What ever works to draw a crowd – do it.

The Baptist was faithful to his calling. He remained the herald of the Messiah until his death by the hands of Herod who had him beheaded for the pleasure of his adultery and adulterous wife and step daughter.

To all the men of God who stand in the pulpits of the churches around the world; BE FAITHFUL TO GOD’S CALL – PREACH THE WORD. Never stop. Do not let the praise of men cause you to do the opposite of preaching. Make the preaching of God’s Word central in all you do. Preach for repentance. Preach for Jesus sake. Preach for the glory of Jesus.

People of the churches; stand beside your pastor/preacher if he is preaching the Word. Pray for him. Encourage him. If you do not have a crowd in your church and your pastor is preaching faithfully the Word of God, then pray, and reach out to those you work with, those you hosts in your home, just keep being faithful to God’s Word.