"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
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  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."