The Gospel According to
Matthew 3
17 verses≈ 3 min3 peopleBSB
Images are artistic interpretations.
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In this chapter
The Mission of John the Baptist
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him.’”
0:21
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist.
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His food was locusts and wild honey.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
Reflect
Turn around
John’s whole message fits in one line: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” To repent is to turn around and face God. If God’s kingdom is that close, what is one thing you would want to turn from today?
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
Out to the Jordan
People come from Jerusalem, from all over Judea and from the whole region around the Jordan. From Jerusalem it is some twenty miles to the river, steeply downhill all the way through the wilderness.
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham
Matthew 3:9
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew 3:11
Two baptisms
Whiteboard
John’s water was a sign that pointed ahead. The One coming after him brings the real thing: the Spirit who makes people new, and a judgment that sorts the wheat from the chaff.
Question
Quick question
As the crowds came down to the Jordan, some visitors caught John’s eye.
In Matthew, who does John call a “brood of vipers”?
The Baptism of Jesus
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
John
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
Jesus
“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.”
Then John permitted Him.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
Pray
Beloved
Jesus stepped into the water beside sinners, and the Father said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Thank God that, joined to His Son, you are welcomed too. Ask Him to help you live today as someone who is loved, not someone still trying to earn it.
You’ve experienced
Matthew 3
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A verse to carry with you
This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!
Matthew 3:17
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