Matthew 3
Matthew 3 introduces John the Baptist, a prophet and forerunner of Jesus, who calls people to repentance in preparation for the Messiah. He preaches in the wilderness, baptizing people in the Jordan River as a symbol of their repentance. John’s message emphasizes the coming judgment and the need for true repentance, and he foretells the arrival of Jesus, who will baptize not just with water, but with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:1-3 (NKJV)
1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”
John the Baptist begins his ministry in the wilderness, calling people to repent because the kingdom of heaven is near. This message aligns with the prophecy found in Isaiah 40:3, which says, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” John is the fulfillment of this prophecy, serving as the messenger who prepares the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord. His call to “make His paths straight” symbolizes the need for repentance—removing the obstacles of sin and aligning one's life with God's will, making a clear and ready way for Jesus to enter and work in their hearts.
Matthew 3:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him
6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
John’s appearance and lifestyle reflect his dedication to his mission and his connection to the prophets of old. His simple attire and diet show his separation from worldly comforts. His message resonates widely, drawing people from across the region who seek forgiveness and baptism in the Jordan, symbolizing a cleansing and a commitment to live righteously.
Matthew 3:7-10 (NKJV)
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
John rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them a “brood of vipers” to emphasize their hypocrisy. He warns that lineage alone cannot guarantee salvation; true repentance is needed, evidenced by righteous actions. His message cautions that judgment is imminent, and only those who produce good “fruit” through sincere transformation will be spared from destruction.
Matthew 3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
The baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire refers to a powerful transformation that Jesus brings to believers. The Holy Spirit’s baptism, which began at Pentecost, fills believers with God’s presence, empowering them to live faithfully, grow in holiness, and carry out God’s mission. The “fire” represents the Spirit’s refining work within each person, purging sin and strengthening their character, much like a fire purifies metal. This process enables believers to become more Christlike, preparing them to stand before God as they grow in faith and devotion.
Matthew 3:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
Jesus arrives to be baptized, even though He is without sin. John is initially hesitant, recognizing Jesus’ superiority. However, Jesus insists, explaining that His baptism is necessary to “fulfill all righteousness.” This act signifies Jesus’ identification with humanity and His submission to God’s will, marking the beginning of His public ministry.
Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
As Jesus rises from the water, a profound revelation occurs: the heavens open, and the Spirit of God descends upon Him like a dove, symbolizing divine approval and empowerment. God’s voice affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, confirming His identity and mission. This moment marks Jesus’ anointing as the Messiah and signals the divine presence accompanying His ministry.