Exploring the Text: Fruit in keeping with repentance
John the Baptist's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. In this passage we see an example of his teaching. The core of this this message is found in verse 8 where he tells the people to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance." True repentance is not simply being sorry for our actions, it is doing something different than what we did before. This is what John is talking about when he says to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance."
In verses 10-14, John addresses different groups of people. He gives some general instructions to everyone and then specific instructions to tax collectors and soldiers. These instructions were specific to their circumstances. The point is not necessarily what those instructions were but that they were specific to the individuals. When we "bear fruit in keeping with repentance", it will look different for each one of us; it is specific to our circumstances.
What does "bearing fruit in keeping with repentance" mean to you and in your circumstances? What would John say to you?
John the Baptist's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. In this passage we see an example of his teaching. The core of this this message is found in verse 8 where he tells the people to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance." True repentance is not simply being sorry for our actions, it is doing something different than what we did before. This is what John is talking about when he says to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance."
In verses 10-14, John addresses different groups of people. He gives some general instructions to everyone and then specific instructions to tax collectors and soldiers. These instructions were specific to their circumstances. The point is not necessarily what those instructions were but that they were specific to the individuals. When we "bear fruit in keeping with repentance", it will look different for each one of us; it is specific to our circumstances.
What does "bearing fruit in keeping with repentance" mean to you and in your circumstances? What would John say to you?