Draw Near: Part 3, To Justice // Pastor Justin LaRosa // December 14, 2025

The first-century Roman Empire faced the same kinds of injustices that we face today: growing inequality between the rich and the poor, abusive oppression by those in power, and a disregard for decency and civility. John the Baptist’s message is not just spiritual in nature; it has real-life, real-world implications for today.   Questions:1. What jumped out at you from the text?2. John says to bear fruit worthy of repentance. How do you understand repentance?3. What obstacles do you see in your life? Community’s and world’s? Name some ways you have repented in your life that have resulted in fruit.4. How does John’s understanding of repentance draw you and our church near to justice?Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps