Is John the Christ, or Not? - Luke 3:15

Luke the physician wrote how multitudes came to hear John's preaching and be “baptized” by him, and “the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answered and said unto them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages”, and in chapter three and verse fifteen of his book Luke shared how the people wondered of John, “whether he were the Christ, or not” where we read:

And as the people were in expectation,

and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

The verse reads, “And as the people were in expectation, ...” Luke began with the words, “and as the people” or “and because, since, on account that and when the human beings both male and female ” “were in expectation” which means “were in a state of looking for, waiting for and anticipating”. Luke shared how the people who were listening to John were in great “anticipation” as they heard him speak.

The verse continues, “... and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;” Luke added the words, “and all men mused” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone of the people both male and female reasoned, revolved and deliberated” “in their hearts of John” or “within their souls or minds as they are the fountains and seats of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes and endeavors”, “whether he were the Christ” which means “if John was the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”, “or not” or “was in no way the Christ of God”. Luke shared how everyone who was listening to John wondered whether or not he was the “Messiah” of God.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we see how powerful the teaching of John was toward the people. His words made them wonder and be in expectation whether he was the “Christ” of God. John was not the Christ, Jesus was. John was the “fore-runner” to the Messiah, and he was to pave the way for “Christ's appearing” by preparing the “hearts” of people to receive Him. God loves people, and His desire is for them to recognize His Son Jesus as the “Messiah” sent from Him. Those who believe and trust in Jesus will receive forgiveness for their sins and “everlasting life” with God. Let all who read these words “wonder” no more and receive Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Luke shares how John said, “I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".