The Heart of the King: Grace and Judgment 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:7-12

  The boldness of John is obvious as he addresses the religious leaders that came to him, as his portrayal of them is quite graphic. The picture is as though they fled judgment like snakes from a field on fire. John declares that there needs to be "fruit worthy of repentance". He further declares that God's children are children of faith as was Abraham. John was calling Israel to return to a life of faith.
  Matthew continues to point us to the understanding that God was bringing His message of the Gospel through Abraham and his seed, to the whole world.
  The words of the Lord given John put him in the same order of Old Testament prophets that brought words of both judgment and grace. The very heart of God. With this in mind, consider how John announces the baptism of the Spirit and the baptism by fire. The baptism with the Spirit has to do with the gift of the divine presence, to be brought under the control and influence of the presence of God. The baptism with fire is to be brought under the influence of a refining, searching and judging experience. This experience can relate to the Hebrew word for baptism, mikva. Mikva can mean to experience a "burning" away. These two baptisms are of redeeming love and of righteous fear. The very heart of the King. The miraculous harmony of His grace and judgment.

Discussion:

1. After reading Matthew 3:7-12 discuss the need of John to exhibit the boldness that he did.

2. Do we need the same type of boldness today?

3. Understanding our role is essential to our walk with the Lord. Read these scriptures relating to John's understanding of his role. John 1:19-23; 1:29-30; 3:30; Mark 6:20.

4. Do we fully understand our roles? Do they change? Are there different seasons in our lives and ministries?

5. Have you experienced the grace and judgment of the King? Share some thoughts about these moments of the heart of Jesus.

6. Some scripture readings on both the grace and judgment of God; Exodus 34:4-10; Zephaniah 1:4-7; 3:5; 3:9-13; 3:16,17; James 2:8-13.

Discovery Section:

  It is glorious that we are able to discover our King in the midst of our cities and societies. The king is present, powerful and righteous. He is just and is totally committed to what is right. He is the quite voice of truth in the uproar of evil. He is a tower of justice in the midst of injustice. He is a lighthouse of righteousness in the midst of unrighteousness. He is biblically correct in the midst of political correctness.
  Do you genuinely believe in the judgment of God? Most of America in all likelihood does not believe in a God whose love is tough. At the same time the King is speaking with tough love, He is still listening and mercifully offering grace. He extends His royal scepter and beckons us to come to His very heart.