Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible
“But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the evil things he had done, Herod added this to everything else—he locked up John in prison.”
The imprisonment of John the Baptist was the result of John’s preaching and challenge to the moral character of the Jewish political leadership. John rebuked Herod Antipas for his marriage to Herodias – who had been married to a half-brother of Herod. Both quit their previous marriages to be married even though they were nearly blood relatives.
John the Baptist was in a situation that many of us have found ourselves in before. Do we speak up when someone around us is living counter to the Gospel? John the Baptist frequently preached against the governmental and religious leaders of his day. His rebukes ultimately led to his death.
It can be difficult to stand up for the truth of the Gospel in a culture that doesn’t share our biblical perspective. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “speak the truth in love.” Practically speaking the truth in love does not seek to tear a person down as an unredeemable person, because all can experience the grace found in Jesus. Instead, speaking the truth in love is to point out sin in order to encourage them to a higher way that is found in Christ.
John the Baptist’s rebukes were done to point people to the grace and forgiveness that is found in Christ. Satan points out sin to condemn. Jesus points out sin to redeem. Jesus should be our model when we speak the truth of the Gospel.
Apply:
- Is there a tough conversation that you need to have with someone close to you?
- How can you speak the truth in love in order to point the person to Christ?
Respond:
God, thank you for your salvation. You have provided a way for us to obtain righteousness through Jesus. May we speak your truth in love this week – even if we face persecution. Our lives should be lived for your glory. Amen.
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The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries.
Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
