This coming Sunday, December 9, 2007 is the 2nd Sunday in Advent with three readings assigned: Isaiah 11:1-10 (Wolf dwell with lamb); Romans 15:4-13 (Hope) and Matthew 3:1-12 (John the Baptist). Chosen to analyze is Matthew 3:3b, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’”

One can probably find no greater prophet in the Scriptures who is a vivid reminder of the proper distinction between Law and Gospel than John the Baptist. In fulfillment of the prophets Isaiah and Malachi, John is setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah. The assignment given to him from God is also our assignment. How so?

What is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? It is NOT the historical events of His conception, birth, sufferings, death and resurrection. Rather, the proclamation of the Gospel is the announcement of the forgiveness of sins because of the events that have transpired in regard to the Christ.

However, good news will not be received properly if the recipient is unaware of the bad news. And what is the bad news? Not just our sin but the curse of the Law that demands death for sin. That curse is made known by the proclamation not of the Gospel but of the Law!

As the forerunner of the Messiah, the Baptist is to proclaim the law in its fullness. For what good is honey to a man who has just finished eating a huge banquet? So also, until the Law does its work in mirroring our poor, miserable sinful self before an Almighty God, the Gospel will fall on deaf ears.

In fact, Jesus even commands not to share the Gospel with those who are unprepared with the statement, “Do not throw pearls to the swine.” Hungry pigs might turn on you who throw them pearls rather than food. Many of the Pharisees and scribes, steeped in the theology of the Law, could not stand the message of Jesus Christ Who proclaimed their need for salvation.

John’s baptism of repentance was not a sacrament as was the Pentecost baptism. John’s baptism instead was a ceremonial action in publically confessing one’s sin and unworthiness before a just God. But as John prophecied, the One coming after him; that is, Jesus, the Christ, would baptize not just with water but with the Holy Spirit and fire. Law and Gospel. While the Gospel is the only means of grace, the Law is necessary to be proclaimed to prepare hearts to receive the forgiveness of sins and the robe of righteousness with joy and thanksgiving.