Gospel of Matthew

Compiled by WD Kemner January 2024

CHAPTER 3: John the Baptist

Matthew “jumps” us forward to adulthood in the life of Jesus. John the Baptist is on the scene doing his ministry when we now see Jesus.

Matthew Chapter 3 verses 1-3

Parallel Passages: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:15-31

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John the Baptist has already begun his ministry at this point.  Isaiah’s prophecy is from his book Isaiah 40:3.

Matthew Chapter 3 verses 4-6

Parallel Passages: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:15-31

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

The act of being Baptized was to make it an act of public confession before all the people present.

Matthew Chapter 3 verses 7

Parallel Passages: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:15-31

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

It is John that refers to the Pharisees with “O Generation of vipers…”.

Matthew Chapter 3 verses 8-10

Parallel Passages: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:15-31

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

They were so very proud to be children of Abraham but God could raise descendants out of the rock.

Matthew Chapter 3 verses 11-12

Parallel Passages: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:15-31

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

“Whose fan is in his hand…” This is from the idea of the threshing floor. Blowing away the chaff to get to the good stuff.

Matthew Chapter 3 verses 13-17

Parallel Passages: Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-34

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.  Matthew describes “…heavens were opened…saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove…” and “…a voice from heaven…”. How can anyone seeing and hearing that, not believe?