First of all, let us take a look at the message John the Baptist preached to all people. He preached a message of repentance from sin, that we must be prepared for the coming of the Messiah and confess sin. In Matthew 3:1-2, the Scripture says, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (ESV) He preached that in order for men to be prepared and ready for the coming of the Messiah, they must repent from sin. What does it mean to repent? Does it mean to simply feel sorry for our sin? To repent means to “turn from sin.” In other words, you realize that your sin is leading you to destruction and you make a conscious decision to turn from your sin and turn to the Gospel of the finished work of Jesus Christ. To be prepared for the coming of the Messiah means to live a life in preparation for the second return of Christ. Acts 1:10-11 says, “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Are you prepared for the second coming of Christ? What does it mean to confess sin? The word “confess” means to be in complete agreement with God that your sin is an offense to Him. What does all of this mean? It means that you have come to a point through the drawing of God unto Himself the need for repentance of sin in order to be prepared for the second coming of His son and be in constant confession of sin in your life.

Secondly, there was the intended audience of John’s message-the religious establishment. In Matthew 3:7-10, he is speaking to the Pharisees and Sadducees’. In today’s society, they would be the religious professionals. John’s message was fourfold: First, Flee from the wrath to come. (John 3:36) Secondly, repent from verbal repentance. A Change of conduct is needed. Thirdly Spiritual heritage means nothing. Fourthly, Judgment is coming.

Thirdly, John preached Christ. This is noted in Matthew 3:11-12. He emphasized Christ is to be exalted above all names. Christ shall baptize and Christ shall judge and purge.