People were drawn to John the Baptist because they sensed a move of God. Even John’s message about the need for repentance drew people into the wilderness of Judea. Matthew 3:5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. [1]
There had not been a prophet in Israel for four hundred years, and John the Baptist picked up right where the prophet Malachi left off. Malachi 4:5 “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.” [2]
John the Baptist’s Message Connected With the People
John the Baptist was a stark contrast to the religious leaders of the day in dress and message. He wore clothes woven from coarse camel hair and a leather belt, contrasting with the finery often worn by religious leaders. John was trying to convey to the people the need to have a relationship with the Lord and to turn from their sins and turn to God.
John tried to awaken the religious leaders to their false assumptions so they could be saved. Matthew 3:7 But when John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.[3]
If God must make us uncomfortable to save us, He will because He is more interested in our salvation than our feelings.
Repentance Still Changes Hearts Today
The Lord sent John the Baptist to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus. Those sincerely seeking God confessed their sins, were baptized, and became changed people. Many people whose hearts were changed would soon encounter Jesus, who would change their lives even more.
We, too, need a fresh encounter with Jesus to lead us deeper in faith and relationship with Him. As we obey the Lord and follow His Holy Spirit’s leading, He begins unfolding His fantastic plans for our lives.
To learn how people were drawn to John the Baptist, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/john-prepares-the-way
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.