Matthew 3

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1. Review vs 4. Imagine that you were approached by a guy eating bugs and dressed in camel hair. 

-Would you be resistant to his message?

-What drew people from Jerusalem, Judea and the whole region of the Jordan to listen to John the Baptist despite his appearance?

2. The religious elite approach John and immediately he holds them accountable for their sin. Review vs 8-10.

-What are the "fruits" that come with repentance? Do you struggle with producing this "fruit?"

-When he says that the ax is already at the root of the trees and that every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down, does that worry you?

3. Review vs 11 and vs 12

John the Baptist explained to the religious elite and the crowds surrounding him that he baptized with water for repentance. However, he noted that one day Christ would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

-What is the difference?

-What is the meaning of his symbolism regarding wheat and the chaff? 

-Would you consider yourself "wheat" or "chaff?"

The Baptism of Jesus

1. Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John. John felt that it would be more appropriate for Jesus to baptize him instead. In contrast, Jesus replied that it was proper to be baptized by John in order to "fulfill all righteousness."

-What does this mean? Why was it important that John baptize Jesus?

-What is the significance of baptism? Is this an example that Christ is setting for his followers?

Special note: All three persons of the Trinity are seen in verses 16-17, (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.)

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 3