Light in darkness.
The public work of Christ followed upon his temptation. "No man can be prepared for any deep vital work in the world who has not come through the devil's school" (Dr. Parker). Let no truth-seeker be dispirited by the severity of his temptations. Consider here—
I. THE MELANCHOLY CONDITION OF THE CHRISTLESS.
1. They sit in darkness.
2. Their darkness is the "shadow of death."
II. THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST AS A SAVIOUR.
1. life is the Messiah of prophecy.
2. The Messiah of prophecy is the Saviour of men.
III. THE TERMS OF HIS SALVATION.
1. The first thing is repentance.
(a) sorrow for sin,
(b) confession of sin,
(c) forsaking of sin.
2. This repentance is in prospect of the kingdom.
(a) in the heart (Luke 17:21);
(b) in the life;
(c) at any cost. Jesus took up the preaching of John when John was cast into prison.
It is Christ-like to be baptized for the dead.