Hot pepper heat is measured in scovilles. Jalapenos are the best-known pepper. A jalapeno measures 50,000 scovilles, but is mild compared to the habanero with a rating of 300,000. They’re so hot that handlers wear

gloves to prevent the juice from stinging their fingers. Are you comfortable with jalapeno faith, when God calls you to be a habanero Christian? Matthew 3:1-17 presents one screaming-hot “habanero” servant of the Lord – John the Baptist! Who was he? What was he doing? Why was he doing it? John the Baptist is introduced by his urgent message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (v. 2) John was the advance man for Jesus. An “advance man” is sent ahead of a dignitary or celebrity to be sure that groundwork is done, that details are covered, and that the person is properly introduced and promoted. “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” (v. 3) Baptizing those who came “confessing their sins” (v. 6), John was working to prepare people to receive Jesus. This is exactly what we are called to do as Christians. John attracted the repentant sinner. His baptism was different than any before; it was an initiation. It anticipated a Messianic baptism of fire and the Holy Spirit. It pictured repentance and a trust that God would wash away sins through the coming Messiah. The Baptizer had a proper perspective on his role. (a) He was a voice; Jesus is the Word. (b) He baptized with water; Jesus with the Holy Spirit. (c) He is not even worthy to do the work of a slave—“whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.” (v. 11) He did his work—“to fulfill all righteousness.” (v. 15) It was John’s simple calling in God’s eternal plan of redemption. And when his task was done, he explained, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Your simple calling is to share the gospel message of Jesus with lost sinners.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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