Luke 3:15-18
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
“… 15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, …”
The human experience is one of expectation. We frequently expect change; and we anticipate that change coming through someone who will serve as the agent of that change. Such was the case with the people of ancient Israel at the time of John. Because of the various social, economic, and cultural ills of the time, there was a popular expectation of an anointed one (Messiah) who would come and change things.
On the surface, John seemed to fit the bill. Appearing on the scene proclaiming a message of faith, obedience, and repentance, the crowds rushed to see him. He seemed to be the ideal agent of change. Unafraid to confront the ruling class and religious authorities, and willing to challenge the current government and the status quo, John was the ideal “expected one”.
John, however, recognized his role. He was not the anointed one, just the preparer of the way. He who was to follow would not only not fill the popular expectations of the anointed one, the changes he would bring would be beyond anyone’s expectation. Jesus’ arrival would change everything.
Sometimes, like those ancient people, our expectations are for someone to come and institute change. Seldom, however, are those changes beneficial to all. Instead, promises are made followed by bitter disappointment. As people of faith, we recognize that the only true changes come through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. He alone is the Anointed One.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you come as the true Expected One to deliver us and to institute divine change. Open my heart and spirit to see Your presence and revel in the changes You bring. Amen.