Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:15-16 NLT)
The people of Israel waited a long time for the Messiah, the Promised Savior and wanted to know if John the Baptist was the one. But he wasn't and told them the Messiah would be someone else. John had a symbolic baptism with water. The Messiah would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. Fire burns up what is not useful and is used to purify silver and gold. Like John, Jesus would call people to repent. The difference, Jesus would pay the price for the sins of the world. Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives faith. So Jesus forgives and gives faith.
This is Holy Week, a time to remember the last week leading to Jesus' death and resurrection. This is a good time for us to admit our need for Jesus, answer His call to repent and let Him burn away the sin in our lives. This is a good time to renew our faith by remembering all that Jesus did for us that week. This is a good time to tell those who are looking for their "Messiah" about Jesus.
The people of Israel waited a long time for the Messiah, the Promised Savior and wanted to know if John the Baptist was the one. But he wasn't and told them the Messiah would be someone else. John had a symbolic baptism with water. The Messiah would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. Fire burns up what is not useful and is used to purify silver and gold. Like John, Jesus would call people to repent. The difference, Jesus would pay the price for the sins of the world. Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives faith. So Jesus forgives and gives faith.
This is Holy Week, a time to remember the last week leading to Jesus' death and resurrection. This is a good time for us to admit our need for Jesus, answer His call to repent and let Him burn away the sin in our lives. This is a good time to renew our faith by remembering all that Jesus did for us that week. This is a good time to tell those who are looking for their "Messiah" about Jesus.
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