What role does belief play in accepting the message of John the Baptist? Setting the Stage: Matthew 21:32 “ For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” Belief—The Critical Link • John’s ministry was “in the way of righteousness,” so rejecting him was rejecting God’s own standard. • The decisive issue was not exposure to truth—both groups heard him—but personal belief. • Belief immediately determined two opposite outcomes: the despised outcasts entered God’s promise; the religious insiders stayed outside. What Belief Looked Like for the Outcasts • They recognized their sin (Luke 3:12–14). • They submitted to John’s baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4). • They embraced the One to come—Jesus—because John pointed directly to Him (John 1:29–34). What Unbelief Looked Like for the Religious Leaders • They questioned John’s authority instead of humbling themselves (Matthew 21:23–27). • They refused his baptism, thereby “rejected God’s purpose for themselves” (Luke 7:30). • They witnessed transformed sinners yet still “did not repent and believe” (Matthew 21:32). Why Belief Matters So Much • Belief is the doorway through which repentance becomes real; without it, repentance stalls at mere regret (Matthew 3:7–10). • Belief unites the heart with God’s revealed message, producing the fruit God seeks (John 15:5). • Belief is God’s appointed means to righteousness: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). John’s call echoed that ancient pattern. Belief’s Immediate Rewards 1. Cleansed conscience—sins confessed, washed, forgiven (Mark 1:4). 2. Joyful identification with God’s people—standing alongside fellow repentant sinners (Luke 3:12–14). 3. Clear direction forward—anticipating and receiving Jesus as Messiah (Acts 19:4). Consequences of Persisting in Unbelief • Hardened hearts grow harder (Matthew 23:37). • Spiritual blindness deepens (John 12:37–40). • Missed opportunity becomes irreversible judgment (Matthew 23:33). Connecting to Jesus’ Broader Call • Jesus repeats John’s message: “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). • All who believe receive authority to become children of God (John 1:12). • The gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Bringing It Home Belief is not a passive opinion; it is an active surrender to the truth God sets before us. John’s hearers show that the socially unlikely may grasp the kingdom ahead of the self-assured, simply because they choose to believe and repent. The same invitation—and the same dividing line—still stands. |
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