"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"
Chapter Three
Matthew skips ahead about thirty years to describe events that prepared
Jesus for His public ministry. John the Baptist served as a forerunner
with his own ministry of preaching in the wilderness of Judea and
baptizing in the Jordan river (1-12). From Galilee Jesus came to be
baptized by John "to fulfill all righteousness". As Jesus came up out
of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended on Him like a
dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son in whom
I am well pleased" (13-17).
POINTS TO PONDER
* The message and ministry of John the Baptist
* The purpose and meaning of Jesus’ baptism
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The ministry of John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-12
- The baptism of Jesus Christ - Mt 3:13-17
2) What was the theme of John’s preaching? (1-2)
- "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
3) What was John’s mission as foretold by Isaiah? (3)
- To prepare the way of the Lord (Isa 40:3)
4) What unique clothing and diet did John have? (4)
- Clothed in camel’s hair and leather belt, food was locust and wild
honey
5) What was John doing in the Jordan river? (5-6)
- Baptizing people as they were confessing their sins
6) What did John say to the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be
baptized? (8)
- "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance"
7) What did John say One who followed him would do? (11-12)
- Baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire
8) Who came from Galilee to be baptized by John? Why? (13-15)
- Jesus; to fulfill all righteousness
9) As Jesus came up from the water, what three things happened? (16-17)
- The heavens were opened to Him
- The Spirit descended like a dove upon Him
- A voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased."