(Read Matthew 3:1- 4: 16)
Introduction: John the Baptist came on the scene, as was predicted by the
prophet Isaiah (Isa. 40:3). It was in the days of those kings (cf. Lk. 3:1), as had been
predicted by Daniel (Dan. 2:36-45). He called upon the people to “repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. His mission was to “Prepare the way of the
Lord,” to make his path straight. His character is unique, and he attracts
the attention of many (3:5-6).
1. He challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees --two religious
groups in Judah at that time -- having different views. His challenge was relative to
their motives, and the NEED to recognize that there was to be a change in their heart and behavior to really benefit from the message he
presented (3:7-10). John affirmed that one was coming after him who would baptize with the
Holy Spirit and with fire (3:10-11).
2. Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan (in Judah) to be baptized of
John (3:12-17), a fulfillment of The Prophecy of Isaih (Isa. 9:1,2). John recognized his inferiority to Jesus, that he was the one who
really needed to be baptized by Jesus rather then he baptizing Jesus. However, Jesus
affirmed that it was the will of God that he be baptized of John to “fulfill all
righteousness."” We see here
that God’s plan does not always conform to man’s thinking, and although we may
not see WHY He wants something done, man needs to accept His plan and submit to it.
However, this incident shows us something that is very significant. When Jesus
came up our of the water, after having been baptized, there descends on Him “like a dove” the
“Spirit of God.” Also, there is a voice
from heaven affirming that Jesus is the Son, in whom the God of Heaven is “well pleased.”
3. Chapter 4 informs us of Jesus’ temptation by “the devil” (4:1-11). Jesus is hungry, after fasting “forty days and
forty nights.” The tempter came to Him and tried in each of the three
avenues that one can be used as temptations: Lust of the flesh,
lust of the eye, and the pride of life (cf.1 Jn. 2:15-16). Each effort was
successfully met with “It
is written.”
4. Jesus received word that John was cast into prison (4:13-16). He returns to his home,
to Galilee, visiting certain towns, which also was a fulfillment of scriptures.(Isa.
9:1-2) As we have noted previously, observe how many time the word “fulfill”
appears in this book. This had a purpose, to show the Jews that Jesus was indeed the
Messiah who had been predicted and for whom they had sought for so long.
Unfortunately, they evidently had a distorted view of his mission. However, we see
the same attitudes today. Many still have a distorted view of Jesus, His church and
its mission!
Questions:
1. What
did John come doing? (Matt. 3:1-2)?
2. What
was John"s basic message? (3:3-4)
3. How
many were attracted to John? (3:5-6)
4. What
was John’s reaction when he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees come to him? (3:7-10)?
5. What
was John’s reaction to Jesus’ request to be baptized? (3:13-15)
6. What happened when Jesus came up out of the water?
(3:16-17)?
7.
Where, when, and by whom was Jesus tempted? (4:1-3)?
8. Name the three types (areas) of temptation?
(4:4-11)?
9. How
did Jesus meet each temptation?
10. When
did Jesus go back to Galilee? (4:13-16)?