Matthew 3 - Repentance
Guys… 3! Three is the key to this entire chapter. Here we see not only the third chapter in the book, but also three prophecies, three mentions of repentance or confession (which we will be covering in this blog), and three warning of punishment by fire. Then we end, with one baptism that starts a three year ministry journey for our main character.
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew Chapter 3 marks the beginning of the public ministry of John the Baptist and the introduction of Jesus as the Messiah. John the Baptist emerges as a prominent figure, preaching in the wilderness of Judea. His message is one of repentance and preparation for the coming of the kingdom of heaven. He baptizes people in the Jordan River as a symbolic act of repentance and cleansing. John's message emphasizes the need for a change of heart and turning away from sin in anticipation of the Messiah's arrival. Let us look a little more into the three times the author mentions repentance or confessions in this chapter.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
John was not just saying this, he KNEW it to be true! Even in utero, John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the Messiah. In Luke 1:41-44 John is recorded to have leaped in his mother’s womb when he sensed his cousin’s presence in Mary’s belly. So when he warned the people that “the Kingdom of Heaven is near” it was less of “the end is coming” and more of “the Messiah is here!”
2. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Let me tell you a little bit about the Jewish culture, or at least what I understand about it from my time involved in its customs.
The first ten days (following Rosh Hashanah) of the lunar month of Tishri, which can land anywhere between the September and October, the Jewish community sets aside time to do nothing but repent. The way that my dear friend, James, described the event to me was using the imagery of a spiritual bubble bath.
From the time of last year’s Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) to this year’s Rosh Hashanah you have lived amongst the world and your soul has been dirtied by it via any wrong doings, ill thoughts, lies, or actions that go against the way God commanded you to live…SIN!
So for 10 days you dedicated yourself to confession. This confession is more than just an “I’m sorry.” It is a reflection accompanied with a sense of humiliation.
”Why did I do that? It seemed like such a good idea at the time.”
”Why did I say that? Was building myself up really that worth it?”
Why did I go against God? Was my fleshly satisfaction worth more than my salvation?
This is a solumn event! And it is because your reflection is causing you to feel exposed, naked, and like you need to hide rather than being at temple. You are the modern day Adam and Eve.
The entire time you are fearful. Will my prayers be enough? You cannot be sure this time. But during your prayers God is taking them and using them as suds to lather and wash you clean. This is Yom Kippur.
So confession was not a new concept to the Jews; however this idea of spontaneous repentance was. Furthermore, John was calling the people to be baptized upon their confession. This was a more literal and public representation of being washed. By entering into the river you tell your fellow Jew, “I am filthy already. I know I just confessed my everything back in September but its January and my soul reeks!”
Here is something else to consider:
This display of openly confessing your religious imperfections left you open to ridicule and judgement. Goodness… especially if a Pharisee or a Sadducee was present. But being willing to go forth publically is what God was wanting.
God, I care more about what you say and think of me than what they may say or think of me in this moment.
3. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance…”
Let’s step back a bit and talk about these two groups… THEY. HAD. A. GOD-COMPLEX! Bigger than anything!
My mother and I have a running joke between us that initially started was a trick to help us remember how the the two titles were spelled. But through further studying we sadly found this joke to be more applicable and comical.
Pharisee: Phar - i - see or Fair - I - See?
Pharisees were members of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observations of traditional and written law. Because they were held to a level of superior sanctity, they were self righteous to a fault. Jesus called them out on this behavior in Matthew 23
"“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like white washed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.”
It was true. The Pharisees saw themselves as beautiful and better than everyone else. Fair - I - See.
Sadducee: Sad-du-cee or Sad - you - see?
These men were also members the Jewish sect but denied the existence of spirits entirely. They held religious status but could care less about it. Their entire motivation was wealth and power and it was no secret. It was a tool for making political decisions and disciplining their lower counterparts, and that was it. Truly Sad… You See! So sad they have two d’s.
All of these righteous men, their soul REEKED! John warned them that if they did not turn from their lifestyle, the only comfort they would find would while they were alive. There would be no salvation for them.
Thank you again for joining me today. I am trying to not make my blogs too long, hence why I am breaking Chapter 3 up into different parts. For a chapter with only 17 verses, there is a lot to unpack. If you are interested in learning more about this chapter from the professionals, feel free to check out the links below. These also some of the same references I used while studying this chapter.
Are you in need of a bible to follow along with? Might I suggest the following options:
Alabaster Co. Book of Matthew - This is actually the book that I am using currently. It provides you with ample space to take notes and relaxing images to bring your heart at ease while reading God’s word.
If you have questions or comments about the passage that you would like to talk about, please feel free to comment below, connect with me via text, or message me on Facebook messenger. My desire was to use this venue as a way to study with others on a long-distance scale. I would be honored if you joined me
