As we traveled to spend Christmas with my in-laws, Crystal's brother's wife was in labor. We were blessed with a new niece at about 11 p.m. Christmas Eve. They named her Jana Grace. What a wonderful Christmas gift.
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When I heard this new baby's middle name, my mind went to the birth of a couple of other babies. Of course, on Christmas day, we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ- the baby who came into this word to demonstrate the grace of God to mankind. Shortly before Jesus was born the scripture records the birth of another famous baby, John the Baptist. His parents did not name him "John the Baptist," but simply named him, "John." The title Baptist would come later.
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The selection of the name "John" was quite significant. That name had not been used by that family and many even questioned the choice, but John's parents were insistent. (see Luke 1:59-63) There was a reason why they wanted that name for their son. In Luke 1:13, we are told that an angel had told told John's father to use this name.
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We must not build our theology on the the names of all Biblical characters, but this particular name was chosen by God, and thus I believe we should take notice. The name John means, "God is gracious." Just as our niece who was born at Christmas time is able to remind us of God's grace, John was able to remind the people of God's grace as well.
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John had a very specific purpose in life. He was the forerunner to announce the coming of the King of the kingdom as he prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. As he prepared the way for the King, he spoke of the kingdom, but he also told people that they needed to repent. Matthew 3:1-2 says, "Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" (NASB)
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To repent is to think differently. It is actually more than just a change of mind though. It is a change of direction. John was preaching that men were sinners and needed to change their direction to follow God. He is known today for baptizing as well as for preaching, thus he is known as John the Baptist. His baptism was not able to cleanse his followers of their sins. It did however remind them of their sins, and they were being baptized for/because of their sins.
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John's ministry told his followers that the King was coming and that they needed to repent because they were sinners. Let us not forget that the man bringing that message had a name that meant, "God is gracious." The man whose name reminds us of God's grace, brings us the message that we are sinners who need to change our direction. The baptism of John was a public admission of sin.
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The King who John prepared the way for is Jesus Christ. He was born into this world so that He could grow up to die on the cross in order to pour out His grace for our sins. That is why the gospel is called good news. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
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As we share this good news, we like John, must remind people that they are sinners who need to repent. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) At the same time we must share the good news of God's grace. There is eternal life for sinners who repent and change their direction to believe in Jesus Christ. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).
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Yes, we are sinners who need to repent. Yes, God is gracious and if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9) Please visit www.southtownchurch.com
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