Matthew 3:1-12
Story & Lessons
Jesus was probably born towards the end of 5 BC. It was probably AD 26 when he began his public ministry at the age of about 30.
John the Baptist’s ministry of preparing the way of Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament.
John was a rugged figure who lived on a very simple diet.
His preaching attracted great crowds of people whom he baptized after they repented and confessed their sins.
The Pharisees who prided themselves in their religious zeal and the Sadducees who denied the resurrection of the dead came to see what was happening.
John did not mince his words when addressing them!
They were a "brood of vipers".
He warned them not to rely on their religious pedigree for salvation.
They needed to "bear fruits worthy of repentance".
John also warned them of God’s judgment and wrath.
Reflection...
‘Repentance’ is a radical change of mind and heart which completely changes the direction of our lives.
Our repentance is not real if it does not bear fruit.
'Fruits worthy of repentance' include forsaking sin and leading a life of obedience to God’s holy word.
Have we truly repented of our sins?
Does it show in our lives by "fruits worthy of repentance"?
John declared that there was One coming who was mightier than himself.
Jesus would baptize 'with the Holy Spirit and fire'.
Everyone who repents of their sin and trusts in Christ is baptized in the Spirit.
The disciples waited for ‘the promise of the Father’ which was given at Pentecost but we do not need to tarry or agonize for the coming of the Holy Spirit nor seek for ‘a second blessing!’
Every believer has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6).
Let us live as those whose bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Story & Lessons
Jesus was probably born towards the end of 5 BC. It was probably AD 26 when he began his public ministry at the age of about 30.
John the Baptist’s ministry of preparing the way of Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament.
John was a rugged figure who lived on a very simple diet.
His preaching attracted great crowds of people whom he baptized after they repented and confessed their sins.
The Pharisees who prided themselves in their religious zeal and the Sadducees who denied the resurrection of the dead came to see what was happening.
John did not mince his words when addressing them!
They were a "brood of vipers".
He warned them not to rely on their religious pedigree for salvation.
They needed to "bear fruits worthy of repentance".
John also warned them of God’s judgment and wrath.
Reflection...
‘Repentance’ is a radical change of mind and heart which completely changes the direction of our lives.
Our repentance is not real if it does not bear fruit.
'Fruits worthy of repentance' include forsaking sin and leading a life of obedience to God’s holy word.
Have we truly repented of our sins?
Does it show in our lives by "fruits worthy of repentance"?
John declared that there was One coming who was mightier than himself.
Jesus would baptize 'with the Holy Spirit and fire'.
Everyone who repents of their sin and trusts in Christ is baptized in the Spirit.
The disciples waited for ‘the promise of the Father’ which was given at Pentecost but we do not need to tarry or agonize for the coming of the Holy Spirit nor seek for ‘a second blessing!’
Every believer has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6).
Let us live as those whose bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
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