Some people are ‘straight-talkers’; they are not afraid to bring up confronting or challenging truths in order to communicate directly and clearly, and to solve problems. They can at times appear to be insensitive, and always need to ensure that they are gracious as well as truthful. But wouldn’t we say that ‘honesty is the best policy’? Integrity and care for others is demonstrated by speaking the truth in love.

The Biblical prophets often had this role. They were sent by God with a message for His people, usually a warning or a call to repentance. For this reason, prophets were not the most popular people in town. Yet the prophetic messages were also an opportunity for God’s people to reflect on their spiritual lives, and to get back on track.

John the Baptist was one such prophetic ‘straight-talker’. Matthew 3 tells us about his preaching ministry, where he spoke of God’s promised king (i.e. the Messiah or Christ), and the coming kingdom. This Saviour is the single most important Person who has ever lived or will ever live. So it is only natural that people would need to be prepared for His coming to earth. John’s role was to assist with that preparation, to help people get their hearts ready for Christ. They confessed their sins and were baptised as a sign of repentance. But the religious elite of the day did not take this seriously. John described them as a “brood of vipers” (v. 7b) and called them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (v. 8). That might sound harsh, but John was highlighting the true state of people’s hearts.

John prepared the way for another straight-talker, Christ Himself. Jesus did not shy away from saying hard things (e.g. John 2:16,17; Matt. 23:13-36; Luke 9:41), but emphasised truth and righteousness. May we always sit up and pay attention to ‘straight-talk’ from the Lord and His messengers, knowing that it is for our good.