THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
They will ask, “How can we produce fruit when we face punishment, with so little time remaining, and the end approaching?” To this, he responds that the type of fruit they are called to bear differs from that of a tree. The fruit of a tree demands significant time, relies on favorable conditions, and requires diligent care. However, what is necessary for you is merely the desire, and instantly, the tree will wither. The yield depends not only on the root's properties but also significantly on the farmer’s artistry.
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Therefore, so that they cannot claim that you confuse, embarrass, or harm us by wielding an axe and threatening punishment while demanding fruit, John illustrates, “For I baptize you with water, but He who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandal I am not worthy to untie; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Here, he emphasizes that only desire and faith are required, rather than toil or accomplishments; just as baptism is straightforward, so is transformation and improvement.
By stirring their souls with the dread of judgment, the prospect of punishment, and recalling the axe, their estrangement from their forebears, the introduction of new followers, and the dual punishment of correction and burning, he softens their hearts and ignites a longing for liberation from such afflictions. He commences speaking about Christ, not casually, but highlighting His supremacy, drawing a distinction between Him and himself to prevent any notions of self-interest, as he contrasts their contributions. He initially claims, “I am not worthy to untie the strap of His sandal,” after demonstrating the limitation of his baptism, which merely leads to repentance; thus, he refrains from stating “through the water of remission” but rather “through repentance.” He then speaks of the baptism of Christ, which exceeds in extraordinary gifts. He urges them to understand when he says that He follows after me, that they should not dismiss Him as someone who merely came after. Recognize the power of His gift, and you will grasp that I haven't spoken in excess when I claim, “I am not worthy to untie the strap of His sandal.” Therefore, upon hearing Him described as the mightiest, do not think I speak only for comparison; I am not even worthy to be numbered among His servants, especially the most humble of them, nor to undertake the most menial task in His service. His reference is not simply to sandals but rather to their straps, indicating the utmost degradation of service.
To dispel the notion that he speaks out of mere humility, he references the works themselves: “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Observe the wisdom of John the Baptist! While he proclaims dire warnings and challenges during his own teaching, he speaks gently andcomfortingly when directing attention to Christ. He no longer mentions axes or trees cast into fire or impending wrath; instead, he highlights forgiveness, the lifting of punishment, justification, sanctification, redemption, adoption, brotherhood, sharing in the inheritance, and the rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All of this is encapsulated in his phrase, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit,” which reinforces the abundant outpouring of grace. His choice of words—“He will baptize you”—illustrates even more the power and miraculous work of grace.
Consider then, the listeners’ disposition as they contemplate the prospect of becoming like the prophets, perhaps even the greatest among them, an idea elicited by his mention of fire, which recalls the visions revealed to those prophets, such as God's communication with Moses in the bush, and His words to the entire nation at Sinai, as well as to Ezekiel amidst the cherubim. Notice how he captivates the audience by hinting at what is yet to come. Indeed, the sacrifice of the Lamb, the destruction of sin, the removal of enmity, the burial and resurrection, and eventually the coming of the Holy Spirit must precede this. However, he does not yet dwell on these matters, opting instead to emphasize the ultimate unveiling that would distinctly showcase Christ's grandeur.
He does so to prompt the audience to ponder how such a profound gift could be realized under the weighty dominion of sin, stirring within them a readiness to listen. Thus, he calls out once more, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). He doesn't say, “He that forsakes,” but rather, “He that takes away,” signifying deeper concern, since to take away sin entails facing death, unlike the mere act of forsaking which bears no peril. Furthermore, he declares that Christ is the Son of God (John 1:34). Yet, these words do not convey to the listeners a complete understanding of His status, as they could not yet deduce from them His true sonship; such certainty was established through the abundant giving of the Spirit. This is precisely why God the Father indicated the first sign of dignity in the one to come by declaring, “You will see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him; He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33). Thus, John professes, “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34), affirming this last point with certainty. After speaking these uplifting truths and reassuring the crowd, he again urges them to avoid carelessness.