Lesson 2279

(Lesson 2279)(03-08-18) Matthew 3:7-10
   “But when he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

   In today’s quote, John, being rightfully suspicious of their presence, made it clear to the Pharisees and Sadducees that simply being Jews would not protect them from the ultimate wrath of God. He demanded they bring evidence of their sincerity.
    This lesson is the turning point at which God, seeing that the majority of the Jews, especially their leadership, were incapable of obeying His laws, extended His loving Grace to those Jews who would be obedient, and soon the Gentiles.
    The last verse in today’s quote says, in essence, that God’s connection to the Jews, as His chosen people, had ended. “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”~