At the church where I pastor has engaged together a New Testament Bible Reading Plan. Here are some notes I collected from reading in Matthew 3. The “thread” or repentance message was a great catch gathered from Guzik and the various responses John received is powerful to process in both a personal and pastoral way.

John the Baptist & Baptism of Repentance (3:1-12)

The message to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Change the mind/think differently/regret sins…there is great reason to motivate one to turn/return to God…His rule is available/near/approaching.)

• Repent was the first word of John the Baptist’s gospel (Mat_3:1-2).

• Repent was the first word of Jesus’ gospel (Mat_4:17 and Mar_1:14-15).

• Repent was the first word in the preaching ministry of the twelve disciples (Mar_6:12).

• Repent was the first word in the preaching instructions Jesus gave to His disciples after His resurrection (Luk_24:46-47).

• Repent was the first word of exhortation in the first Christian sermon (Act_2:38).

• Repent was the first word in the mouth of the Apostle Paul through his ministry (Act_26:19-20). (Guzik commentary)

o   John the Baptist: his role/person is fulfilling Scripture

o   "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS: 'PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD; MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.' = making straight & level paths for Jesus to come!

o   People come from all over = ‘went out to him.’

o   Pharisees & Sadducees come out to see John (v. 7) = “brood (offspring or fruit) of vipers (deadly poison)” à “Who warned you to flee the wrath to come (not just for Gentiles but for unbelievers)?” = curious, around, but not repenting! Some don’t travel even though the path has been made straight & level. 1 THESS. 1:10—Jesus saves His people from the future wrath.

o   Produce fruit that goes with true repentance—the evidence of genuine change of mind and sins confessed is fruit of the Spirit can be plucked from one’s life.