The Judge Is Coming – December 7, 2025

One key truth: John the Baptist calls us to repent.

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 3:1-2

The Judge Is Coming

You can picture the scene, can’t you? A packed courtroom, everyone tense, the accused gripping the edge of their chair. A piece of paper is handed to the judge. He opens it slowly. He leans forward. The whole room freezes waiting for the verdict that could change someone’s life forever.

You’ve watched scenes like this in movies, shows, maybe even real news stories. Courtrooms feel serious because what happens there matters.

But what about the courtroom you can’t see yet?

Soon, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, God Almighty and Judge of all, will return on the Last Day. Everyone will stand trial before him in his eternal courtroom. One verdict. One eternity. Either life with him in the joys of heaven—or banished apart from him in the fires of hell. Forever.

So how do you get people to take something that serious… seriously?

“In those days,” God sent John the Baptist to do just that. Everything about him communicated, “Wake up! This is serious.” He lived and preached in the desert. He ate locusts and wild honey. He wore clothing made of camel hair and a leather belt. He looked wild—and his message was even wilder: “Repent! The kingdom of heaven has come near!”

God used John to shake people awake, turn them away from sin and back to him. To prepare them for Jesus.

Now it’s our turn to listen.

John’s message isn’t just ancient history. Jesus came once, and he will come again. His “rough” message startles us to attention: This is serious. You and I will stand in Jesus’ courtroom.

But here’s the part that changes everything: Don’t be afraid! You already know the verdict. When Jesus came the first time, he declared, “It is finished.” He defeated sin, death, and Satan. Your sin is forgiven. Your guilt is gone. Your baptism stamped his victory onto you. The Judge himself pounded his gavel and took your punishment—so you could be justified—not guilty. Imagine that!

This Advent, listen closely to John the Baptist. His call to repent is still serious, but when you hear that message, lay your sin at the cross of Jesus and know that the final verdict has already been written in stone. When Jesus returns, he will declare you innocent and welcome you into life with him forever.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me truly hear John the Baptist’s message. Give me a heart that is quick to repent and quick to run to Jesus. Remind me every day that because of Jesus’ victory, my verdict is already “not guilty.” Fill me with confidence, joy, and hope as I wait for his return. With faith in your promises I pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Amen.