Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 3

Matthew 3:1-12

II. THE PREPARATION FOR THE MESSIAH'S COMING, 3:1-4:11
A.  Jesus' Forerunner, John the Baptist: A Message for All, 3:1-12
(Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:6-8, 15-37)
1  John ministered in the wilderness (v.1)
2  His message to the people: Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (v.2-6)
  a.  His message fulfilled prophecy: One crying, "Prepare" (v.3)
  b.  His message was the message of a prophet: He dressed and ate as a prophet (v.4)
  c.  His message bore fruit (v.5-6)
  1)  Crowds gathered (v.5)
  2)  Crowds confessed and were baptized (v.6)
3  His message to the religionists, the Pharisees and Sadducees (v.7-10)
  a.  Point 1: Flee the wrath to come (v.7)
  b.  Point 2: Repent (v.8)
  c.  Point 3: Heritage is of no value (v.9)
  d.  Point 4: Judgment is at hand (v.10)
  1)  Immediate: Now (v.10a)
  2)  Inevitable: Every unfruitful tree is cast into the fire (v.10b)
  3)  Basis: Fruit (v.10c)
4  His message to all: Christ—Messianic preaching (v.11-12)
  a.  Christ is greater... (v.11a)
  b.  Christ shall baptize... (v.11b)
  c.  Christ shall judge and purge (v.12)
  1)  Gather some (v.12a)
  2)  Burn some (v.12b)

Matthew 3:13-17

B.  Jesus' Baptism: What Baptism is All About, 3:13-17See:
(Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:28-34)
1  The startling request of Jesus: To be baptized (v.13)
2  The humbling reaction of John: Humility and need (v.14)
3  The godly purpose of Jesus: To fulfill all righteousness (v.15)
4  The unusual signs of Jesus' baptism (v.16-17)
  a.  The heavens were opened (v.16a)
  b.  The Spirit descended (v.16b)
  c.  The voice of God was heard (v.17)