Untitled Sermon

In Johnny Cash’s haunting rendition of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” there’s an urgent, sobering refrain: no matter who you are or what you’ve done, judgment will find you. This echoes the warning in today’s passage. John the Baptist’s fiery proclamation to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” reminds us that God’s justice is certain, but so is His mercy.

Let’s explore this text through three symbols: the ax, the fruit, and the winnowing fan. Each teaches us about the urgency, the evidence, and the joy of repentance.

1. The Ax (Luke 3:7-9) “The ax is already at the root of the trees…” (v. 9)

John doesn’t sugarcoat his message. “You brood of vipers!” he exclaims, exposing the crowd’s complacency. The same applies to us. Are we relying on heritage, traditions, or superficial faith to shield us from judgment?

Picture an ax poised at the base of a tree. It’s not sitting idly by—it’s ready to strike. This is the urgency of John’s message. Repentance is not something to put off for tomorrow; it’s an immediate call to action.

Repentance is more than saying “sorry.” It’s a radical reorientation of our lives toward God. Advent reminds us that Christ is coming not just as a baby in a manger but as the Judge of all. The question isn’t if the ax will fall but whether we’re ready to bear the fruit God desires.

Time is short. Trees that fail to bear good fruit will be cut down. What kind of fruit are we producing?

2. The Fruit (Luke 3:10-14) “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. (v. 10)

When John calls for “fruits of repentance,” he doesn’t leave it abstract. The people ask a crucial question: “What should we do?” John’s answer is clear: repentance must show up in the way we live.

· To the crowd: Share what you have. Generosity reflects God’s heart.

· To the tax collectors:Be honest. Integrity shows repentance.

· To the soldiers: Be content and avoid abuse. Humility marks a changed heart.

True Repentance is Visible: It will transform us and how we treat others. The key for us is to be mindful that the fruit of repentance isn’t perfection it’s progress—a life increasingly aligned with God’s will.

As we bear fruits of repentance let us be mindful that fruit trees produce fruit not for themselves, but for others. If God blesses you with resources, wisdom, or spiritual gifts, those blessings are not just for your comfort or growth but to share with others and glorify God.

Bearing fruit is not about earning God’s love but reflecting it. When we live as fruit trees for others, we participate in God’s mission to heal, restore, and nourish the world. Like a tree that stands firm and fruitful, rooted in Christ, we become a source of life and sustenance for those who need His hope and love.

When your life is transformed by Christ it will naturally produce “fruit” that points to God’s goodness and love. John 15:8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Our fruitfulness glorifies God and serves His creation. So, ask yourselves where is God calling you to act differently? Who can benefit from the fruit in your life?

Fruits of repentance isn’t just an internal feeling; it’s a daily choice to live out the change Christ brings.

3. The Winnowing Fan (Luke 3:15-17) “His winnowing fork is in his hand…” (v. 17)

Imagine a modern combine harvester at work in a field, separating wheat from chaff in a swift and efficient process. This powerful machine gathers the valuable grain while discarding what is unnecessary. The imagery of the combine helps us see how Jesus, the ultimate Winnower, works with precision and purpose in our lives.

John the Baptist describes Jesus holding a winnowing fork, a tool used in ancient times to toss harvested grain into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter, useless chaff. Today, we might envision Christ as the operator of a spiritual combine. He doesn’t just separate the grain from the chaff—He refines the process, ensuring that nothing valuable is wasted.

Jesus' work is not simply to cleanse but to transform. Like a combine’s mechanisms, His Spirit processes the field of our lives, separating the worthwhile from the worthless with precision and grace.

Jesus is A Refiner, Not a Destroyer: The chaff—the sin, distractions, and things that weigh us down—is not discarded out of cruelty but so the grain—the essence of who God created us to be—can shine and flourish.

Just as a combine leaves behind the unnecessary husks, Christ’s refining work removes the “chaff” in our hearts. The process might feel intense or uncomfortable, but it’s essential for our growth and renewal.

Let us anticipate Christ’s coming not with fear like that of the chaff being burned but with joy at the grain being gathered. Trust in His precise and purposeful work in your life. Invite Jesus to “harvest” your life, identifying and removing what no longer serves His purposes.

Embrace the Process: Transformation can be painful, but it leads to flourishing. Like the grain in a combine, let Christ’s work result in something valuable, useful, and life-giving.

Live for the Harvest: Celebrate the good work Christ is doing in you, and reflect His righteousness in your relationships and actions.

4. The Good News (Luke 3:18) “John proclaimed the good news to them.” (v. 18)

Despite the sharp warnings, John’s message is ultimately one of hope. Repentance isn’t a punishment; it’s a gift. It’s the doorway to joy, freedom, and a restored relationship with God.

Jesus fulfills everything John pointed to. Through Him, we experience the good news of forgiveness, renewal, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Now when we embrace repentance, we don’t just avoid judgment; we live lives of purpose and joy that glorify God and bless others.

This Advent, let the good news of repentance fill you with hope. It’s never too late to turn back to God, bear fruit, and live the life He’s called you to.

As we close, consider the ax, the fruit, and the winnowing fan. The ax reminds us of the urgency of repentance. The fruit challenges us to show visible evidence of our transformation. The winnowing fan assures us that Christ’s refining work leads to joy and flourishing.

Advent is a season of preparation, but it’s also a season of hope. Through Christ, we can bear the fruits of repentance and become living testimonies of His grace.

So, what will your life say? When the ax is laid at the root, when the fruit is inspected, and when the chaff is blown away—will your life reflect the joy and evidence of true repentance in Christ?