King Jesus | March 7, 2021

 

+ Read Scripture

Matthew 3:1-12

1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier 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 and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Talk Sheet Questions

  1. How did John’s preaching make the path straight for the coming of the Lord?

  2. Why do you think Matthew included a description about John's dress and diet? 

  3. Was John too harsh with the Pharisees and Sadducees? Why or why not?

  4. Is John’s Baptism different than Christian Baptism (Acts 19:1-5)? How?

  5. John’s message was largely about the coming wrath and judgment of unrepentant. How does that make you feel? Explain.

  6. How can you tell if you have fruit in keeping with repentance? 

Prayer

Pray that we will all have lives marked by repentance and humility.

 
 
Scott Reavely