“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:1-2,8 NIV)
John the Baptist’s words cut through the noise of religion and tradition, calling people to a faith that is visible, tangible, and transformative. His message is a call to genuine repentance, warning against empty religion, and a demand for fruit. John’s cry was urgent: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”Repentance is not simply regret; it is a decisive change of direction. Repentance is that spiritual U-turn, turning away from sin and toward God. Repentance must be more than words; it must be seen in changed behavior.
When the Pharisees and Sadducees came, John confronted them: “Do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” True repentance is proven by transformation, not by religious labels, heritage, or rituals. John then presses the point further: repentance must bear fruit. John says, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Fruit is the outward evidence of inward change. The fruit in this context is not outward rituals, activities, religious tradition, church attendance, ministry involvement, or participation, but a transformed life.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence of repentance is visible in my daily life?
- Am I relying on religious tradition rather than a living relationship with Christ?
- What specific fruit is God calling me to produce today and in this season?
- What habits or attitudes do I need to turn from so that my life reflects Christ?
Above all, repentance is not a one-time act but a lifelong practice, for we are still works in progress.
Rev. Moses Abayomi Sodeinde
