PREPARING FOR THE SERMON
August 11, 2024
Matthew 3
Context:
Luke’s gospel contains the account of Gabriel revealing the birth and mission of John the Baptist. Matthew summarizes the mission with the prophesy found in Isaiah 40:3. All four gospels include the narrative of John’s preaching and baptizing.
As Chapter 3 begins, Jesus is now around 30 years old. Matthew does not record any events in Jesus’ life from His childhood. Although Jesus is known as person and the son of Joseph, the world is unprepared for the ministry He is beginning. John’s introduction provides the first recorded testimony of Who Jesus is.
Structure:
1-3 he is the one spoken of through Isaiah (v 3)
4-6 they were baptized by him, confessing their sins (v 6)
7-12 He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat (v 12)
13-17 “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” (v 17)
Key Ideas: prophecy, authentic religion, repentance
Some things to think about: