”He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins….” (v. 3)

Don’t lose sight of what, in fact, is the actual matter:

We are sinners—in need of salvation, and called to repentance.

As the gospels unfold, we will witness the depth and breadth of the Good News. We will see Jesus healing and helping. We will learn from Him to love like Him. We will find ourselves swept up in the history of hope recorded here.

But do not miss the heart of the matter:

We are sinners—in need of salvation, and called to repentance.

Let the prophet’s voice lead you, as it led so many in his time. Straighten out the crookedness of your heart. Let your life reflect your turnaround from sin. Approach Christ in repentance.

That’s the first-things-first of the Gospel.

— Tyler