Matthew Chapter 3

Matthew Chapter 3
Matthew chapter 3 introduces John the Baptist, who begins preaching in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance because the kingdom of heaven is near. Crowds from Jerusalem, Judea, and the surrounding region come to him, confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River. John warns the Pharisees and Sadducees against hypocrisy, teaching that true repentance must produce righteous fruit.

John explains that one greater than himself is coming—one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Jesus then comes from Galilee to be baptized by John. Though John feels unworthy, Jesus insists in order to fulfill all righteousness. As Jesus is baptized and comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit of God descends like a dove upon Him, and a voice from heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”