John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Luke 3:16
With these words John was preparing Israel for the ministry of Jesus among them. A massive spiritual movement was occurring as John baptized along the Jordan river. Vast crowds came to hear him preach in the wilderness of Judea and to submit to a baptism of repentance before God. Souls were receptive to God’s new message through John.
John freely pointed to another greater ministry soon to come after him. He prepared the way. Mightier ministry and mightier messages would come from One Who would immerse His followers in the Holy Spirit and this world in a fire that would separate good from evil, useful from useless, wheat from chaff.
Reflecting on this part of the gospel at Advent brings perspective today. Even as John’s voice cried out in the wilderness to be heard by crowds, so let the gospel ring forth today from our own places! Jesus is the Mighty One. Jesus has baptized His Church in the Holy Spirit. Jesus will immerse this world in a refining fire.
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