Day 5 - Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

4 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. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

Tori's Comments:

Can you imagine being called a brood of snakes by Jesus? Of course, in this scenario, you wouldn't believe it's really the messiah in the first place. Verse 9 just reminds us how much we rely on God for everything, and that we glorify Him for a reason! He is mighty and powerful yet full of love and mercy in His righteousness.

Terrie's Comments:

The word repent has stuck out to me in this passage often.  John's message was to repent.  To turn away from your own will to a life directed by God.  This is exactly what we are to do.  When we choose to follow Jesus we are choosing to turn away from our selfish, sinful desires, our fleshly desires and instead we follow the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives.  I thank God every day for His word and the Holy Spirit to help direct my steps every day!!!

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!