Originally Written on November 24, 2019 

In our Bible study, The Parables of Jesus Christ: The Two Sons, we discussed a parable Jesus told to the chief priests and the elders of the temple (Matt. 21:23-32). Jesus told these “religious” men that publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before them (verse 31). These men refused to believe the way of righteousness that John the Baptist brought to them (verse 32). John preached the gospel!!!  

Many believe that the religious authorities of Jesus’ day were too legalistic and too obsessed with the law of Moses. Is this true?  

Jesus on several occasions rebuked these leaders and people because they did not truly keep the law recorded by Moses (Mark 7:6-13; John 5:45-47) or believe what Moses wrote (John 7:16-19). Moses and all the prophets preached the gospel. Did John’s preaching contradict the law? Did John preach that the law would be done away with, nailed to the cross, or finished so we do not have to keep it? Let’s explore the way of righteousness that John preached and compare it with the law.  

Preaching to the Multitude 

Have you ever taken the time to analyze the teaching of John the Baptist? Have you ever compared it with what Moses taught? 

“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3) 

First, we must note that John taught people that they must repent. Read Matt. 3:2 for confirmation. We know this is consistent with Jesus’ message, but is it consistent with Moses? It is important to note that the word repent, as Jesus and John used it, means to think differently, to reconsider; by implication change from previous actions.  

John’s entire message was about character. He discussed whether mere belief in God’s plan of salvation was enough. Read Luke 3:7-9 multiple times and prove this for yourself. John discussed topics such as fruits worthy of repentance (actions) and fleeing from the wrath to come. John was trying to explain to the multitude how to prove they had changed their minds. He powerfully proclaimed that the change in mind is evident by a change in behavior; fruits worthy of repentance.  

Baptism of Repentance or the Law  

Remember John the Baptist’s message convicted the crowd (verse 10). Despite what many say, John taught about works that are worthy of repentance. To be clear, these works do not save you, but they are evidence that you have turned from your previous course of action. This is the same thing the apostle James taught. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17-18). If someone truly believes and repents, then it will show forth in their works. More on this later.  

John the Baptist and James were really pointing back to the law recorded by Moses. These laws were given so that Israel would be different from all the nations around them. God wanted Israel to be an example of God’s righteous way (Ex. 19:3-6). This righteous way is found God’s law. This is the same way of righteousness John the Baptist tried to teach them.  

Notice what John told them they should do:  

John the Baptist	Moses
Luke 3:11	Deut. 15:7-11
Luke 3:13	Ex. 30:11-15
Luke 3:14	Lev. 6:1-7

There are many other verses in the Old Testament that embodies the spirit of what John the Baptist was explaining to the people. The law is not contrary to the gospel!!! The gospel is about a day when the Lord Jesus Christ will rule the earth with justice and judgment; upholding the law given to Moses. John and Moses did not have different understandings of the gospel.  

“And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.” (Luke 3:18) 

John exhorted the people with many other things that were not recorded for us. It is likely that he continued to teach them the spirit of the law which is how God intended us to live! 

Listening to John  

Let’s go to Matthew’s account of John’s preaching.  

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matt 3:7) 

John the Baptist was addressing the presence of the Pharisees and Sadducees. From his remarks, we can see that he believed they were trying to escape from God’s wrath. The gospel is related to God’s wrath. Many other verses tell us that Jesus’ return will include the destruction of wicked kingdoms that exist today. Read Rev. 19:11-21 for one such example.  

Recognize that John’s words following his question were to point the Pharisees and Sadduccees to the way of escape. John follows his question with “bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” John goes on to explain that being biologically the seed of Abraham will not help them enter into God’s kingdom. God requires us to bring forth fruit, behave godly and turn away from unrighteousness (verse 10). John’s message is the same as Jesus, Moses, and the apostles!!! 

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,¹⁰ Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (I Cor. 6:9-10) 

Yes, there are things to be done. We must walk in righteous character. We are the workmanship of God, created in Jesus Christ unto good works (Eph. 2:10). This is the gospel. Jesus was the sacrifice that we may be forgiven and walk in the righteousness of God after repentance! God requires that we walk in this righteousness until return of Jesus Christ! If we fail to do so, we will not enter into God’s kingdom. If we do walk in this righteousness, we become joint-heirs of the kingdom (Rom. 8:12-17). 

Remember the gospel is about God’s coming kingdom. This is what Jesus preached!!! Read through the parables of Jesus for more evidence. John preached of the same coming kingdom and Ruler. And that Ruler will NOT allow lawless behavior in His kingdom!!!