Significant Scripture

Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. (Luke 7:16-17)

Introduction

According to the writer of Luke’s Gospel, at the time when the boy Jesus was growing into a man, the Jews of Israel were living in heightened anticipation of Messiah’s coming. It had been decades since Rome had deposed the Hasmonean kings and begun their increasingly repressive occupation. The Jews – among whom, after all, the concept of messiah originated – have always believed that he would come at a time when Israel was experiencing its greatest need. So, when John came proclaiming the imminence of the Kingdom of God and calling on the people to repent and immerse themselves, they flocked to do so from throughout the land – to prepare for the coming of their King.