For those who had ears to hear, John called to repentance, but for those who would not, he promised judgement. To some the seismic message of the gospel was indeed good news, evidenced by the multitude of people who were repenting of their sins and being baptized. But others were merely present, not repenting but observing, neither hearing nor believing.
Tag Archives: Gospel of Luke
The Forerunner
Living as an ascetic, John waited in the wilderness, wearing a garment of camel’s hair with a leather belt and eating locusts and wild honey.[3] Filled with the Holy Spirit since his mother’s womb, he knew his purpose but awaited the Word of the Lord.
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Luke tells us that it was neither leaders of church nor rulers of state who received the angelic announcement but shepherds in a field near Bethlehem, “keeping watch over their flock by night” (2:8). Who are these shepherds? What are their names? We do not know. They are remembered not for who they are but of whom they hear and who they will worship. Their identity is revealed only in the revelation of God to them of the incarnation of the Son of God.
