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Download “In the World” for December 27, 2020 here.
UP TO THE OWNER TO PROVE HIS CONCERN IS SINCERE
Last month, Steven Cohen, the new owner of the New York Mets baseball team, asked for ideas for how to improve “the Mets experience” for the team’s longsuffering fans. He engaged with several fans on Twitter, responding with sincerity and even affection. “Being open and sincere with fans is a good way to win them over and create trust,” reported Chris Cwik for Yahoo!Sports. However, as Cwik points out, “None of this guarantees Cohen will be a good owner…. It’s possible this is the best it ever gets between Cohen and the Mets’ fanbase.” But it’s an encouraging sign. In the end, whatever improvement he promises, “It will be up to Cohen to prove he’s willing to make that happen.”
UP TO THE PEOPLE TO PROVE THEIR REPENTANCE IS SINCERE
John the Baptist drew many people to his message of repentance. Those flocking to him were committing to changing their lives in anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival. Or they were at least pretending to make that commitment. If they had truly repented, John said, they needed to match their actions with their words. Real change is internal and will show itself in external behaviors.
- Who have you seen radically change behaviors to match a new set of beliefs?
- When have you seen someone’s professed reforms not matched by reformed behavior?
- As you move into 2021, what change would you like to see in your attitudes and actions?
Additional Resources
These videos and materials are for your personal use. If you show videos in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
- Music Video, Traditional: “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” by The Haven Quartet
- Music Video, Multicultural: “’I’ve Got a Reason” by Nashville Life Music
- Music Video, Contemporary: “I Speak Jesus” by Here Be Lions
- Guzik’s Commentary on Matthew 3
- Barclay’s Commentary on Matthew 3
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Matthew 3
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