Religious revival.
When the Baptist opened his commission the Jewish nation was in a woeful state of degeneracy. In connection with his ministry there was a remarkable revival of religion. This may be viewed as a specimen of revivals of religion in general.
I. IT WAS A SEASON OF FAITHFUL PREACHING.
1. Christ was prominent in the sermon.
2. It insisted upon essential things.
"Heart's sorrow,
And a clear life ensuing."
Those are not true penitents who say they are sorry for sin, and persist in sinning.
3. Its lessons were closely applied.
(a) The lineage of goodness is no substitute for repentance. The Talmud says that "Abraham sits next the gates of hell, and does not permit any Israelite, however wicked, to go down there." John preached a different doctrine. Visible Church-membership will not save.
(b) "Think not to say within yourselves," etc. Do not attempt secretly to justify impenitence by things that you have not the courage to announce. Hide no lie that will ruin you.
(c) God is not restricted to any law of succession in his Church. "Of these stones"—Gentiles, apparently without any covenant life, in opposition to fruitless "trees," he could "raise up children unto Abraham" (cf. Romans 4:16-18; Galatians 3:22-29).
(a) The "axe" of judgment lay at the root of the trees (cf. Isaiah 10:33, Isaiah 10:34; Daniel 4:11, Daniel 4:20, Daniel 4:23; Luke 13:7-9).
(b) The "fan" to separate the chaff from the wheat was in Messiah's hand (cf. Psalms 1:4; Daniel 2:35; Matthew 13:30, Matthew 13:49).
(c) The "wrath to come," or predicted destruction of Messiah's enemies (Malachi 4:6), was set before them.
(d) The "unquenchable fire" of hell was shadowed in the horrors of the judgments of God upon the city. Gurnell says, speaking of the lost, "Their torment makes them sin, and their sin feeds their torment, one being fuel for the other."
(e) "He that cometh" and "the wrath to come" are nearly associated (see 1 Thessalonians 1:10). It is evermore "wrath to come."
(f) The danger is imminent. "Even now," etc. Fools only can make a mock of sin.
II. IT WAS A SEASON OF STRONG RELIGIOUS EXCITEMENT.
1. Multitudes were deeply moved. This fact is clearly set forth in the text (see also Luke 3:7).
(a) Like his prototype Elijah, John himself was a man of prayer. This was the moral of his retirement in the wilderness.
(b) There were also those who "looked for redemption in Jerusalem"—those who, like Anna, "departed not from the temple, worshipping with lastings and supplications night and day" (Luke 2:37, Luke 2:38).
(c) Who can say to what extent blessings come upon the Church and upon the world in response to the prayers of saints dwelling in obscurity (cf. Ezra 10:1)?
2. Notorious sinners were moved.
3. Unlikely sinners were moved.
(a) They were orthodox Jews, who believed in Church doctrines and traditions.
(b) They were formalists, strict in life, and who prided themselves upon their righteousness. What need could such persons feel for repentance?
(c) Yet many of them, their righteousness notwithstanding, had the viper's venom in their hearts. Formalism may consist with heart-malice.
4. The results of the movement were various.
(a) example;
(b) fashion;
(c) numbers.
Men, like sheep, are gregarious. Of these some became true disciples. Others went back when the excitement subsided (cf. Ezekiel 33:31-33; John 5:35). Many come to ordinances the power of which they never feel.