John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Scripture
Matthew 3:1-12
Mark 1:1-9
Luke 3:1-20
Key Differences
Luke contains more detail than the other
accounts, including John's arrest because of preaching against
Herod.
Luke also offers instructions as to what the
people should do. These are not commands that save anyone,
but rather they are indications of repentance which John called
for.
Additional Commentary
John preaches a message that is very similar to
Jesus. This is with good reason as God had one message for
the people of Israel and that was to repent. John rebukes
the Pharisees and Sadducees who come out to him just as Jesus
frequently clashed with them. The reason is not that God
had rejected them but that their repentance was apparently not
genuine.
The Pharisees relied on their own self
righteousness for their salvation. By going to John, they
believed that they were doing right simply because they were
following all of the proper procedures and listening to a great
teacher. They have no interest in true repentance because
they don't see the need for it. This is why John calls
them a brood of vipers and is the same reason that Jesus clashed
with them.
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