From Mark Copeland... "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Three

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                             Chapter Three

Matthew skips ahead about thirty years to describe events that prepared
Jesus for His public ministry.  John the Baptist served as a forerunner
with his own ministry of preaching in the wilderness of Judea and
baptizing in the Jordan river (1-12).   From Galilee Jesus came to be
baptized by John "to fulfill all righteousness".  As Jesus came up out
of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended on Him like a
dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son in whom
I am well pleased" (13-17).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  The message and ministry of John the Baptist

   *  The purpose and meaning of Jesus’ baptism

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The ministry of John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-12
   - The baptism of Jesus Christ - Mt 3:13-17

2) What was the theme of John’s preaching? (1-2)
   - "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

3) What was John’s mission as foretold by Isaiah? (3)
   - To prepare the way of the Lord (Isa 40:3)

4) What unique clothing and diet did John have? (4)
   - Clothed in camel’s hair and leather belt, food was locust and wild
     honey

5) What was John doing in the Jordan river? (5-6)
   - Baptizing people as they were confessing their sins

6) What did John say to the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be
   baptized? (8)
   - "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance"

7) What did John say One who followed him would do? (11-12)
   - Baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire

8) Who came from Galilee to be baptized by John? Why? (13-15)
   - Jesus; to fulfill all righteousness

9) As Jesus came up from the water, what three things happened? (16-17)
   - The heavens were opened to Him
   - The Spirit descended like a dove upon Him
   - A voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am
     well pleased."

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015