Stress Test Devotional April 27
April 27, 2024
MATTHEW 3:7 | But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
Wow. That comment from John is not “seeker friendly.” His question seems odd, for isn’t he himself issuing the warning?! Does he suspect they are insincere in their repentance, simply going along with the crowd because the people in their thousands have identified John as a prophet? Later in Jesus’ ministry, he asks the leaders whether John’s calling was authentic and they prevaricate. Or is John asking them if it is his message that has led to their actions; is he teasing them that their baptism constitutes an approval of his legitimacy?
It is hard to choose between these possibilities; it is possible some of the Sadducees and Pharisees saw John as genuine. There were plenty of previous warnings, in the classical prophets, that God would express his wrath in final judgement, in the “Day of the Lord,” as described in Joel and Zephaniah.
Do you believe in Judgement?
How do you picture Judgement
