Prepare the way of the Lord

Matthew 3:1-12

Key verse: 3:3

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

Read verses 1-3.  What was the message of John the Baptist?  According to his message, why is repentance necessary?  What does Isaiah’s prophesy tell us about John’s mission, and the purpose of repentance?

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven in near.”

Repentance is necessary in order to receive the kingdom of God (Acts 2:38, John 3:3).  Receiving the kingdom of God is necessary in order to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5).  Therefore, repentance is necessary in order to enter the kingdom of God!  The point is to accept the message that “the kingdom of God is near.”  This message is at odds with what the world says; that man’s kingdom prevails.

John’s mission fits the purpose of repentance; to prepare men’s hearts to receive Jesus Christ and God’s kingdom.  

Look at verses 4-6.  What was John’s lifestyle like?  How did people respond to him?  How are confessing sins and baptism related to repentance?

John’s lifestyle was humble and mission centered.

People were drawn to John’s message, which was spoken not only through his words, but also his way of life.  

Both confessing sins and baptism are outward displays of repentance.  These should be distinguished from repentance itself, which has to do with a change of heart or inner condition (Romans 2:29, Ezekiel 36:26).

See verses 7-10.  What did John say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who were coming to be baptized?  What does it mean to produce fruit in keeping with repentance?  What excuse did the religious leaders make for not baring good fruit?  Yet why is imperative to bare good fruit?  

See verses 7-10.

Repentance must be continuous.  It is not a one time, but a daily, even moment by moment endeavor.  Only continuous repentance will produce good fruit.    

They attempted to rely on their human ancestry as Abraham’s descendants.

Everyone that does not produce good fruit will face eternal judgment (Matthew 7:17-19).  (What the Bible means by good fruit: Galatians 5:22, Matthew 28:19).

Read verses 11-12.  What did John say about Jesus?

One Jesus is the God Almighty.

Two, Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Three, Jesus will be the final judge of man’s life.