Matthew 3
Background and Context for Matthew
Written by Matthew to a Jewish audience, the gospel presents Jesus as the promised Messiah. The main point of this book: Jesus is the fulfillment of the Word, and lives find true fulfillment in Him. Here, Jesus embodies all righteousness—through repentance, confession, and divine approval. These events show righteousness starting with turning to God, leading to baptism's symbol of new life. The chapter urges confession and repentance as pathways to receiving the Spirit's truth and God's favor. I'll break it down by the main points, incorporating cross-references to help you study and apply these truths in pursuing Christ wholeheartedly.
Matthew, a former tax collector called by Jesus (Matthew 9:9), wrote around 60-70 AD to Jews, emphasizing Jesus as fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Matthew 1:22-23; 2:15). The gospel bridges Jewish heritage with the new covenant, using "kingdom of heaven" to respect God's name.
Matthew 3:1-2: Righteousness Begins with Repentance
“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near'" (Matthew 3:1-2). John's message echoes prophets—repentance as turning from sin to God, preparing for the kingdom (Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:30-32).
Every major Bible teacher in the New Testament starts with "repent": John (Matthew 3:2), Jesus (Matthew 4:17), the Twelve (Mark 6:12), post-resurrection instructions (Luke 24:46-47), Pentecost (Acts 2:38), and Paul (Acts 26:19-20). Repentance initiates righteousness—acknowledge sin, seek change (Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Matthew 3:5-6: Repentance Begins with Confession
“People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River" (Matthew 3:5-6). Confession precedes repentance—admitting sin opens our hearts to forgiveness (Psalm 32:5; James 5:16).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). Confession brings healing and community support (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:7).
Matthew 3:7-12: Righteousness Bears Fruit
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance'" (Matthew 3:7-8). True repentance shows in changed life—fruit evidences genuine turn (Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 5:22-23)." And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham" (Matthew 3:9). Heritage doesn't save—personal faith does (Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:7). John's baptism prepares; Jesus' baptizes with the Spirit and fire—purifying and empowering (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4).
Matthew 3:13-14: Righteousness Is Fulfilled in the Baptism of Jesus
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?'" (Matthew 3:13-14). Jesus seeks baptism not for repentance but to fulfill righteousness—identifying with sinners (2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:12).
“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased'" (Luke 3:21-22). The Trinity affirms: Spirit descends, Father declares—echoing Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1. "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13)—the Spirit reveals Jesus as fulfillment.
Matthew 3:15: Righteousness Is Fulfilled in the Life of Jesus
“Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented" (Matthew 3:15). Jesus' baptism inaugurates His mission, fulfilling righteousness on our behalf (Romans 5:19; Hebrews 4:15).
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus lives perfectly, crediting righteousness to believers (Philippians 3:9; Romans 4:5).
Application
For all, righteousness is available here—in Christ. The Holy Spirit reveals truth, leading to confession; confession brings repentance; repentance yields righteousness (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38). Don't rely on heritage or works—embrace Jesus as fulfillment. Examine your life: Is repentance bearing fruit? Confess, repent, and live in His righteousness.
For deeper study, cross-reference with Isaiah 40:3 on John's role, or Romans 6:3-4 on baptism's meaning. Here are some small group questions to discuss:
Why do you think God sent John the Baptist before Jesus?
Can you explain what repentance is?
Why did Jesus need to be baptized?
Is there anything in your life you need to confess and repent from?
