Matthew 3:1-17

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Matthew 3:1-17

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him.’”
4John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
13At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
15“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.
17And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”
— Matthew 3:1-17

Related Resources from Heartlight

Delight of the Father's Life
Illustration of Matthew 3:16-17 MESSAGE

Illustration of Matthew 3:16-17 MESSAGE -- The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit — it looked like a dove — descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."

In those days John the Baptist came ......
Illustration of Matthew 3:1-2

Illustration of Matthew 3:1-2 -- In those days John the Baptist came ... saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Preparing the Way
Illustration of Matthew 3:3-4 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 3:3-4 NLT -- The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John [the Baptist] when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the road for him!'" John's clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

The Father's Delight in His Children
Illustration of Matthew 3:16-17 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 3:16-17 NLT -- After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy."

Pointing the way.
Illustration of Matthew 3:2

Inspirational illustration of Matthew 3:2 -- [In those days John the Baptist came...] saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Cross References for Matthew 3:1-17

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.