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Matthew 3:7-8

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”

As I said yesterday, I am a big fan of John the Baptist. His life was fixed and focused. His communication was straightforward and to the point. The religious pretenders just came to check out his baptism, and before they got close to the water, John let them have it. In case you’re wondering, “brood of vipers” is not a complimentary Hebrew idiom.

Remember John’s mission was to prepare people for Jesus. His message was one of repentance so that hearts could be open and fertile to hear the Savior’s message of salvation. After the right hook “brood of vipers,” John followed up with a hard left jab—produce fruit in keeping with repentance. In other words, demonstrate that your heart has been changed by your actions. That’s not a one-liner just for the Pharisees and Sadducees, is it?

Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:16). By the fruit of a person’s life, you will know what is in their heart. A heart transformed by Christ produces the fruit of his Spirit.

Father, by your Spirit, may my life produce fruit that demonstrates a heart transformed by you. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

Strong Hand, Tender Heart