Matthew Chapter Three
In chapter three, Matthew introduces us to John the Baptist, who in turn introduces Jesus. John’s ministry was to be the forerunner to Jesus. Now, note, John was called ‘the Baptist’ because baptizing folks was central to his message – not because he had slicked back hair, always wore khaki slacks and collared shirts, refrained from drinking and playing poker.
John was very clear on his role.
The Big ‘But’~
Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
With this big ‘but’ John acknowledged that his ministry pointed forward to, or anticipated, the ministry of Jesus. Matthew tells us that John’s ministry fulfilled a role that was prophesied many years earlier by Isaiah, that one would come to prepare the way for the Lord and make straight paths for Him. John’s work of calling people to repentance and baptizing them did this – it was preparatory for the work Jesus would accomplish.
We get a sense from Matthew that John’s ministry was quite a spectacle. First, John himself must have been a sight. His clothing and his diet are mentioned. There were parallels between John’s wardrobe and that of prophets of old, like Elijah (see 2 Kings 1:8). His diet suggested a simple and modest lifestyle, and may well have spoken against the self-indulgence of religious leaders in that time.
Matthew seems to assume that his readers are familiar with John. He simply introduces John onto the scene by saying, “in those days, John the Baptist came”. But who is this man? Where did he come from? Luke, in his gospel, uses a big ‘but’ to introduce John. We’re told that John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were upright in the sight of the Lord and very devout. Luke continues: But, they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren and they were both well along in years. With that ‘but’ Luke makes it clear that God’s hand was involved in specially blessing this couple to conceive and give birth to their son. An angel told his parents that God had prepared a very special role for their son: to serve as the messenger God had promised long ago through the prophet Malachi, one who would come in the spirit of Elijah and prepare the way. Later, in Matthew chapter 11, Jesus is recorded to have said that John was great among men, and that he indeed fulfilled the roles the prophets of old had prophesied.
Next time: John's message.
Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Big Buts of the Bible, Online Bible Study, Matthew 3
Recent Comments