11 “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:11-12 (NASB)

Jesus greater than John

John continues his work of preparing the way and pointing to the Messiah. What does He tell us about this Messiah?

• Jesus has a greater baptism. John’s was effective and necessary; it was with water and related to repentance. Jesus’ is greater – with the Holy Spirit and fire. “This is the promised out-pouring of the Spirit promised with the New Covenant (Ezekiel 37:14).” (enduringword.com)
• John was a mighty preacher / evangelist. The people came from all over to hear him, repent and be baptized (Matthew 3:5). Jesus is mightier than John. John describes himself in relation to Jesus in the humblest terms. He is not even worthy to remove his sandals.
• The Messiah has come to judge and punish those who choose not to follow John’s warning to repent. (Matthew 3:2)

Winnowing fork in hand

A winnowing fork is used to separate wheat (grain) from chaff. The stalks of wheat are laid on the threshing floor and beaten to knock the grain off. As in the picture below, a winnowing fork is used to toss the mixture into the air. The heavier, smaller grain falls to the floor so the stalks can be removed. And the wind blows the chaff away in the process.

The Messiah will sift people in judgment to see who is good “fruit” (grain) and who is chaff. The ones who produce no fruit of repentance (see John’s call yesterday) will be gathered and burned, and that with unquenchable, eternal, fire. What a sobering warning!

Thorough cleaning

Make no mistake. Jesus will not miss anyone for this burning. He thoroughly clears the threshing floor. Not one is missed. No one should believe a lie that there is a second chance or that they can slip by and be missed for the burning. The cleaning and burning will be thorough. Be warned.

RЯeflection

• There’s no mistaking it. The winnowing of the wheat and chaff will be thorough and the effects eternal. But the benefits of bearing fruit of repentance are also sure and eternal – but of joy and peace. Which will you choose? Click here for more help.
• Let’s thank the Lord that He gives a warning and way to escape this judgment. It’s by nothing we’ve done but purely by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thank you Lord for your grace toward us!