Second Sunday in Advent: Gospel, Matthew 3:1-12                  

Matthew 3:1-12

There is a word in our gospel reading this week that gives me great concern. It gives me pause because in the years I have been in Christian ministry, it is a word that points to the position of many whom I have run across. It is tucked in in the midst of the warning John the Baptist gives to the opponents of the newly revealed Messiah. John aims the light of truth at them saying, “And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father …’” (v.9a).

Did you see it? John counsels the opponents of the gospel not to “presume.” In their case, these nay-sayers of Jesus were depending on their lineage. “It’s enough to look at the stock we came from to know we’re in.” One type of presumption. There are others. “I’ve heard that before.” Or, “I know what the bible says.” Or perhaps more dangerous ground, “I have been baptized,” or “I walked an aisle when I was eight.”

Presumption in most issues of life isn’t good, but in spiritual matters, it can be fatal. John, faithful prophet that he is, is preparing God’s people to receive their Messiah by declaring He has come for all. The issue at hand is that all have need of what He brings. No one is “in” with God any other way.

Listen closely to John. And whatever the conclusion, no presuming.