Matthew
Chapter 3
Overview
In the Judean wilderness near the Jordan River, John calls people to prepare for God’s approaching rule. He baptizes them in the river—a public washing that marks a new direction in life. John insists that a genuine change of heart must produce visible results; ancestry and religious status cannot take its place. He warns of coming judgment and points to someone far greater than himself. Then Jesus arrives to be baptized, God’s Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven identifies Jesus as God’s beloved Son.
1In those days John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness of Judea, publicly announcing his message.
2He said, “Change the way you think and live, because God’s rule has come near.”
3John was the one described through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice cries out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for him.’”
4John wore clothing made from camel hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts—large, grasshopper-like insects—and wild honey.
5People went out to John from Jerusalem, from all across Judea, and from the entire region around the Jordan River.
6John baptized them in the Jordan River as they openly admitted the wrongs they had done.
7John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees—members of two influential Jewish religious groups—coming for his baptism. He said to them, “You children of poisonous snakes! Who showed you how to escape God’s coming anger?
8John continued, “Produce fruit—a changed life—that shows you have truly changed the way you think and live.
9“Do not tell yourselves, ‘Abraham is our ancestor,’ as though that will protect you. I tell you, God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
10“The ax is already lying at the roots of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11“I baptize you in water as part of changing the way you think and live. But the one coming after me is more powerful than I am. I am not even fit to carry his sandals. He will baptize you in God’s Holy Spirit and fire.
12“His winnowing fork is in his hand, ready to toss the harvested grain and separate the wheat from the chaff. He will completely clear his threshing floor, gather the wheat into the barn, and burn the chaff in a fire that cannot be put out.”
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan River so that John could baptize him.
14But John tried to stop him. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said. “Why are you coming to me?”
15Jesus answered, “Allow it for now, because this is the right way for us to carry out everything God requires.” Then John agreed.
16After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Suddenly, the heavens opened, and Jesus saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and coming upon him.
17Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son. I take great delight in him.”