Matthew 3
Matthew 3 records John the Baptist’s ministry and the event of Jesus’ baptism before Jesus’ public ministry begins in earnest. This chapter can be reviewed in three main movements. First, the appearance of John the Baptist and the message of repentance he proclaims (verses 1–6). Second, John’s guidance on true repentance and his warning to the Pharisees and Sadducees (verses 7–12). Third, the scene in which Jesus is baptized (verses 13–17).
1verseIn those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
2verse“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
3verseFor this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the way of the Lord ready! Make his paths straight!”
4verseNow John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5verseThen people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.
6verseThey were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7verseBut when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8verseTherefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!
9verseDon’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
10verseEven now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.
11verse“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
12verseHis winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.”
13verseThen Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
14verseBut John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”
15verseBut Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
16verseJesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.
17verseBehold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
John the Baptist’s Ministry and Message
John the Baptist is presented as the one who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet of the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3), proclaiming in the wilderness the message, “Repent,” and urges people to recognize their sins and turn back. Along with warnings about the coming kingdom of God, John’s message is a call to acknowledge one’s guilt and change one’s life. Many people confessed their sins and received baptism in the Jordan River. This shows how inner transformation (repentance) is revealed through outward actions (baptism).
A Warning to the Pharisees and Sadducees
When John the Baptist saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he rebuked their attitudes. He emphasized that they should bear “fruits worthy of repentance,” and said that they need true repentance and a life that has changed, not their ancestry or outward status.
Jesus’ Baptism and God’s Voice
The scene in which Jesus is baptized is the climax of Matthew 3. Jesus, who was without sin, says that receiving baptism in the Jordan River was to fulfill all righteousness; this shows a model of obedience to God’s will. At the moment of baptism, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit comesss down like a dove, and “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” is heard as God’s voice. This confirms that Jesus’ identity and his ministry are God’s delight.
Meditation Points
- How are you receiving the message of “repentance” proclaimed by John?
- Let’s examine whether your faith is leaning too much toward outward actions, and whether true change is taking place within you.
- Through the scene of Jesus’ baptism, let’s reflect on the meaning of the “kingdom of God” coming to this earth.
Apply It to Yourself
- Let’s check whether you set aside time to repent and turn back every day in your place of life.
- Let’s also examine our attitude toward those we have kept at a distance or judged too easily, and make a decision to bear fruit in life that has been changed, just as John’s words urge.
