But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? (Matthew 3:7 NLT)
Many people are observers but few are participants. This is the kingdom of God. The way is wide that leads to destruction & many are on it but the road that leads to life is narrow & few find it.
This is what the Pharisees are doing here. They did not come to participate in baptism or repent of their sin, they merely came to watch. They wanted to observe what John was doing rather than identify with it. They wanted to watch but not do anything themselves.
The same pharisaical attitude is prevalent in church goers today. Many people come & observe but few participate. Many observe worship but few participate. Many observe communion but few commune with God & each other. Many observe the teaching of the Word but few respond. We are content to observe without feeling compelled to obey.
And this isn't just a phenomenon that happens at public worship gatherings. We observe others walking with God & living out their faith but how much do we participate?
When it comes to following Jesus, observation will only get us so far. We can't observe our way to Christ. We can't observe our way into the kingdom of God. At some point or another it takes action, it takes commitment, it takes participation.
Are we observers or participants?
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