Matthew 3 – The Forerunner and the Baptism of the King
Matthew 3 introduces John the Baptist, the prophetic forerunner of Christ, calling for repentance and preparation for the Kingdom. This chapter climaxes with the baptism of Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry and the divine confirmation of His mission.
The Herald of the King & the Dawn of His Ministry
Matthew 3 shifts the focus from Jesus’ infancy to the arrival of John the Baptist, the last and greatest prophet before Christ. His mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, calling Israel to repentance. Jesus’ baptism, accompanied by the descent of the Holy Spirit, marks the official inauguration of His earthly ministry.
✔ John preaches repentance and announces the coming of the Kingdom.
✔ Baptism is introduced as a symbol of cleansing and preparation.
✔ Jesus is baptized, and the Father audibly confirms His Sonship.
✔ The Holy Spirit descends, empowering Jesus for ministry.
📖 Key Verse: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17
🔎 Matthew 3 establishes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, confirmed by prophetic fulfillment and divine affirmation.
Matthew Chapter 3 - Overview
Matthew 3:1-12 – John the Baptist’s Ministry
📖 Matthew 3:1-2 – “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.”
🔎 John’s message centered on repentance. The phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” is unique to Matthew, referring to God’s rule both spiritually and physically.
📖 Matthew 3:3 – “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.”
🔎 This fulfills Isaiah 40:3, showing that John was the prophesied forerunner of the Messiah.
📖 Matthew 3:5-6 – “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.”
🔎 Baptism was a public act of repentance, foreshadowing Christian baptism, which symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ.
📖 Matthew 3:7 – “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?”
🔎 John rebukes the religious leaders, calling them vipers—a symbol of deception and spiritual corruption.
📖 Matthew 3:11 – “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.”
🔎 John contrasts his baptism with Jesus’ baptism, which brings the power of the Holy Spirit and judgment.
Matthew 3:13-17 – The Baptism of Jesus
📖 Matthew 3:13-14 – “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?”
🔎 John recognizes Jesus’ superiority. Unlike others, Jesus had no sin to repent of, yet He chose to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
📖 Matthew 3:15 – “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.”
🔎 Jesus’ baptism signified:
Identification with sinners.
Obedience to the Father’s will.
The beginning of His public ministry.
📖 Matthew 3:16 – “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.”
🔎 The opening of the heavens signified divine approval, and the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus for His mission.
📖 Matthew 3:17 – “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
🔎 The Father’s audible confirmation of Jesus’ Sonship echoes Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1, confirming Him as the anointed Messiah.
Matthew Chapter 3 - Deeper Study
Overview: The Forerunner and the Baptism of the King
🔹 Timeframe: The beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.
🔹 Setting: The wilderness of Judea and the Jordan River.
🔹 Theme: Repentance, the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry, and divine confirmation of His identity.
Key Takeaways
🔑 John the Baptist fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as the forerunner of Christ.
🔑 Jesus’ baptism marked the official start of His public ministry.
🔑 God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are present at Jesus’ baptism.
🔑 Baptism is a powerful symbol of repentance and new life.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 John as the Forerunner – Prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1.
🔮 The Spirit Descending on Jesus – Foreshadowing His anointing as the Messiah.
🔮 Jesus’ Baptism & the Red Sea – Just as Israel passed through water before entering their calling, Jesus begins His mission through baptism.
Historical & Cultural Context
📜 The Role of a Forerunner – Kings in ancient times sent heralds ahead to prepare the way
📜 Jewish Baptism Practices – Ritual washings were common, but John’s baptism signified a deeper repentance.
📜 Messianic Expectations – Many expected a political Messiah, but John prepared people for a spiritual kingdom.
💡 Final Reflection: A Call to Repentance & Obedience
Matthew 3 calls us to examine our hearts, repent, and prepare for the King. Just as John paved the way for Christ, we must make room for Him in our lives.
📌 Have we truly repented and prepared our hearts for Christ’s reign?
📌 Do we recognize Jesus as the anointed Son of God?
📌 How does the example of Jesus’ baptism shape our obedience to God’s will?
🚀 The King is here—are we ready to follow Him?
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Mat 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Mat 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 3:3 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.
Mat 3:4 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.
Mat 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
Mat 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mat 3:7 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?
Mat 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Mat 3:9 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.
Mat 3:10 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.
Mat 3:11 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:
Mat 3:12 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.
The Baptism of Jesus
Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Mat 3:15 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.
Mat 3:16 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:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Date Written
Approximately 50-60 AD
Written By
The Apostle Matthew (Levi)
Language
Originally written in Greek (with strong Hebraic influence)
Verses
17