Matthew 3:1-17 King James Version Bible
Summary and Message of Matthew 3 – Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is Coming
Matthew 3:1-17 King James Version Bible. Matthew chapter 3 conveys a profound message about the need for repentance, the fulfillment of God’s promises, the importance of genuine faith and transformation, and the divine confirmation of Jesus as the awaited Messiah. John the Baptist emphasizes this with his message – repent, the kingdom of Heaven is coming.
Repent, The Kingdom of Heaven is Coming
Call to Repentance: John the Baptist’s central message is a call for repentance, urging people to turn from their sins because the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This highlights the necessity of spiritual transformation and readiness for the coming of God’s kingdom.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: John the Baptist is depicted as the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah about a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. This emphasizes the continuity of God’s plan through the prophets and its realization in the New Testament.
Baptism as a Symbol of Repentance: John’s practice of baptizing people in the Jordan River symbolizes the cleansing of sins and a new beginning. It underscores the importance of external acts that reflect internal repentance and commitment to God.
Warning Against Hypocrisy: John rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that their heritage as children of Abraham is not enough for salvation. Instead, they must produce fruit in keeping with repentance, emphasizing genuine transformation over superficial religiosity.
Announcement of the Messiah: John the Baptist speaks of one more powerful who will come after him, referring to Jesus. He distinguishes his own baptism with water from the future baptism by the Holy Spirit and fire that Jesus will bring, indicating a deeper, transformative work of the Messiah.
Jesus’ Baptism and Divine Affirmation: The baptism of Jesus marks the commencement of his public ministry. The descent of the Spirit of God like a dove and the voice from heaven affirm Jesus’ identity as the beloved Son of God, pleasing to the Father. This event signifies divine approval and the special role of Jesus in God’s salvific plan.
Matthew 3:1-17 King James Version Bible
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
