Matthew 3: Pave the Way for the King

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“The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 1: Meet the Cousin of the King: John the Baptist Matthew 3: Pave the Way for the King

In Matthew chapters 1 and 2 we learn about Jesus’ ancestry and birth which detail His qualifications to be the King. In chapter 3, we learn about Jesus through John the Baptist.

Little detail is given in the Bible about close family members of Jesus but we do learn some things about John the Baptist. Matthew 3 gives us information about this cousin of Jesus. If you will recall, John is Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth’s, son. Jesus would later say this about John in Matthew 11:11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist”. Clearly, John is a man worth getting to know!

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 3:1-17 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 3: 1-6

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. Verse 1 tells us John’s two job titles, what are they?

2. What is the main message in John’s preaching? (v.2)

3. John the Baptist has been called the last of the Old Testament Prophets, why does that title fit him in light of Malachi 3:1? How is John “paving the highway” for the arrival of the Messiah?

4. Describe what John wore and how did this signify he was a prophet? Read 2 Kings 1:8 and Zech. 13:4 what do these two verses tell you about John’s clothing choices?

5. List what John ate. Then read Lev. 11:21-22 and 1 Samuel 14:25-26 what does this tell you about his food choices and where they would be found?

6. Why did people come to John to be baptized?

A ACTING on God’s Word Part 1 John’s call to action in Matthew 3 still applies to us today! His voice was crying out, encouraging people to repent, turn from their sins and prepare for eternity. How are we heeding this good advice? Do you have a time set apart each day for quality time in prayer? How much of your daily prayer time is spent in the practice of repentance? Are you asking for repentance throughout the day as sin interrupts your walk with the Lord? Repenting is an essential piece for a healthy, vibrant walk with the Lord, but are you also turning away from the sin you are repenting of? If you’re not turning away what is holding you in that sin? Ask the Lord for victory over it. He has already overcome it for you.

What sin is God asking you to repent of today?

If you do not have a daily prayer plan. Talk to your small group leader and she will help you to develop a plan. You will be richly blessed as you commune with the Lord.

Part 2 John’s lifestyle (both clothing and food) demonstrate simplicity. The more possessions we have the more we need to care and maintain those things. Do you feel anchored to this life through the things you own or want to obtain? What does Matthew 6:19-21 have to say about this issue?

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word I am so grateful for the ability to repent freely to the Lord. When my sins are weighing me down, it is such an awesome privilege to confess them and ask to be forgiven, knowing He will wash me whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Praise Him today for the gift of forgiveness!

Close in Prayer

NOTES

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 3 • Day 1 “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING D ELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE in the STUDY L ORD SERIES BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 2: John Addresses the Pharisees and Sadducees: Matthew’s Account Matthew 3: Pave the Way for the King

The Pharisees were a legalistic, separatist group who strictly, but often hypocritically kept the law of Moses and the written and unwritten tradition of the elders. The Sadducees were worldlier and politically minded and were more theologically unorthodox.

These two groups usually did not combine forces, yet in Matthew 3:7, we find them united, coming to John to check out what he is doing in the wilderness. Let’s go have a riverside seat by the Jordan and listen to what John has to say to these men.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 3:1-17 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 3: 7-12

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. What does John call the Pharisees and Sadducees and why?

2. John is opposed to baptizing. Why?

3. Read John 8:31-41. What do these Jews and the Pharisees and Sadducees have in common? What about their heritage do they think will save them?

4. Look at verses 5-7 and describe the heart conditions of the two groups of people emerging. Which group do you identify with more closely?

5. In Matthew 3:10, what point is John trying to make with his ax and tree analogy? What is coming for those who do not repent?

6. Read Acts 19:1-7 how is the baptism of the “One who is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire” different from John’s baptism?

7. A winnowing fork is a figure of speech often used in the Bible to indicate judgment see Jer. 15:7). In verse 12 we see John use the analogy of a winnowing fork and wheat. What message is he really trying to send to these unrepentant Jews? Fill in the chart below with whom each item represents.

Winnowing fork Threshing floor Wheat in barn Chaff Unquenchable fire Represents: Represents: Represents: Represents: Represents:

Jesus

A ACTING on God’s Word Why is it dangerous to believe that something you have done or the Christian heritage you have received is good enough to merit heaven? What is necessary to gain access to heaven?

Are you producing fruit that John suggested that was absent in the Pharisees and Sadducees? If so, what does that look like? How are you cultivating the fruit of holiness and a repentant heart?

Have you considered that God thinks you are like wheat? Wheat is a resource for making food. You have spiritual food that you can offer starving people who do not know Christ. What does that look like in your life? Are you being wheat (or as we will read in Matthew 5:13-16 = salt and light)?

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word What a blessing to know that I do not have to be chaff that is thrown into the fire someday. I can choose to be wheat. Salvation is always available to the non-believer and repentance only a prayer away. Have you recently stopped to consider the blessing of your salvation? Praise Him for entrusting you with His gospel of hope.

Close in Prayer

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 3 • Day 2 Part 2 John’s lifestyle (both clothing and food) demonstrate simplicity. The more possessions we have the more we need to care and maintain those things. Do you feel anchored to this life through the things you own or want to obtain? What does Matthew 6:19-21 have to say about this issue?

DAY 3: John Addresses the Pharisees and Sadducees: Luke’s Account Matthew 3: Pave the Way for the King

Throughout the gospels there are often several accounts of the same event. Matthew gives the account of John the Baptist reprimanding the Pharisees and Sadducees and so does Luke. As is typical of Luke, he gives more details about the event. Let’s check it out.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 3:1-17 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 3:1-20

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. Luke gives us a time frame to place this event, probably 25-26 AD based upon the rulers of the time period. Luke mentions who the high priests were at this point, who are they? Why do you think Luke mentions these two specific people and in the next phrase states that the Word of God came to John the son of Zechariah and not to them? What does this say about the Jewish Priesthood at that time?

2. Luke adds even more than Matthew from Isaiah 40:3, by adding verses 4-5 as well… (“A voice of one calling in the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”). However, notice something important, Luke 3:6 says “And all mankind will see God’s salvation.” Who is that salvation?

3. The crowd asks a question in verse 10, what is it? What does this question signal regarding their heart attitudes? How does John reply to their question? What is the point of his reply?

4. The tax collectors also asked a question in verse 12. How did they address John? What is the question? Knowing what we know about tax collectors from Matthew what does this question signal regarding their heart attitudes? How does John reply to their question? (NOTE: Matthew was a former tax collector; I wonder if this is why he left this part of the event out? Something to think about!)

5. The soldiers asked John a question in verse 14. What is it? With the word likewise in the text, we can surmise that their heart attitude was as the others. How does John reply to their question?

6. Who did the people begin to think John was? (v. 15) How does he clarify this potential misunderstanding?

7. Luke gives us some final facts about John the Baptist’s life that Matthew leaves E out, what are they? (v. 18-19)

A ACTING on God’s Word Part 1: Many different groups of people consulted John for advice (the crowd, tax collectors and soldiers). Why do you think they sought his opinion? What kind of advice did he give them? Recall the last time someone came to you seeking advice or guidance. What advice did you give them? How did you direct them back to God’s Word? Are you able to press in and give difficult answers even if you know it won’t be well received? What holds you back from speaking the truth in love?

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 3 • Day 3 Have you considered that God thinks you are like wheat? Wheat is a resource for making food. You have spiritual food that you can offer starving people who do not know Christ. What does that look like in your life? Are you being wheat (or as we will read in Matthew 5:13-16 = salt and light)?

DELIGHTING in God’s Word What a blessing to know that I do not have to be chaff that is thrown into the fire someday. I can choose to be wheat. Salvation is always available to the non-believer and repentance only a prayer away. Have you recently stopped to consider the blessing of your salvation? Praise Him for entrusting you with His gospel of hope.

Close in Prayer

DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

Part 2: Luke pulls out 3 different groups of people with 3 different questions. Each of these groups resembles sin issues. The crowd was selfish. The tax collectors were liars and greedy. The soldiers were discontent and harsh with words and actions. We don’t want to identify with any of these group’s sins, but we all can. Thank God for repentance! Which group can you most identify with? Call out to God as the tax collectors did...Teacher, what shall we do?

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word God’s Word is a solid foundation! Whenever we are unsure of what to do, we can always open its pages and find the best solution! Today we read about very practical ways to love those around us like Christ loves us! If you are struggling today for an answer regarding an issue, open His Word and He will show you what you need to know. Praise Him for His Word which is alive and active, sharper than any two edged sword! (Hebrews 4:12)

Close in Prayer

NOTES

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 3 • Day 3 Throughout the gospels there are often several accounts of the same event. Matthew gives the account of John the Baptist reprimanding the Pharisees and Sadducees and so does Luke. As is typical of Luke, he gives more details about the event. Let’s check it out.

RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 3:1-17 Today’s Scripture Focus: Luke 3:1-20

EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. Luke gives us a time frame to place this event, probably 25-26 AD based upon the rulers of the time period. Luke mentions who the high priests were at this point, who are they? Why do you think Luke mentions these two specific people and in the next phrase states that the Word of God came to John the son of Zechariah and not to them? What does this say about the Jewish Priesthood at that time?

DAY 4: The King is Baptized Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King

As we have just learned over the last few days, John’s ministry of baptism was the baptism of repentance. So why would our sinless Messiah (1 John 3:5), Jesus Christ, need to be baptized by John? W. Wiersbe offers six possible reasons: 1. To fulfill all righteousness (John 8:29) E 2. Consecration – the Old Testament priest was washed, then anointed. Jesus submitted to water baptism and then the Holy Spirit came as a dove (Ex. 29:1-9) 3. Commendation – Jesus was giving his approval of John’s ministry 4. Proclamation – this was John’s official introduction of Jesus to the Jewish nation (John 1:31) 5. Anticipation – this water baptism projected forward to His baptism of suffering on the cross (Luke 12:50) 6. Identification - Jesus stood in the place of sinful man

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 3:1-17 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 3:13-17

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. Why is Jesus leaving his hometown and going to the Jordan River?

2. In verse 14, John tries to deter Jesus from being baptized, why?

3. Jesus insists on being baptized, what is the reason He gives in Matthew 3:15? Read Luke 2:21-24. What was done for Jesus that also would fulfill all righteousness of the law? Why would it be important that Jesus fulfill all God’s righteous requirements? Now read Col. 2:11-12. What are the two “fulfillments of righteousness” that Jesus and His parents did out of obedience to God the Father? How does he later fulfill these for us in the spiritual realm?

4. When Jesus came up out of the water what happened next? Name the three people of the God-head that were present at that moment?

5. Why did a dove ascend upon Jesus, what did it represent?

6. What did God say about Jesus in verse 17?

7. Do you see the Trinity represented at Jesus’ baptism? If so, how?

A ACTING on God’s Word Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit as He rose up from the waters of the Jordan River. Jesus was born of the Spirit and would now be empowered by the Spirit to do the work God the Father had called Him to earth to do. What is God calling you to do for Him today? Are you operating fully in the Spirit by allowing Him to empower you or are you trying to do it in your own strength?

Jesus was given the ultimate commendation from God when He heard the words “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Is there anything more we can want than to hear those words from God someday? To be called His child, to be told you are loved (and forgiven) and that in the end your life was pleasing to Him? Who are you living to hear that from? Is it God alone?

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word The symbol of Calvary Chapel is a dove, which is interesting in light of today’s lesson. Praise God for our church. Thank Him that our church is a place where we seek to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Thank God for the freedom we have to freely worship here in the United States without persecution.

Close in Prayer

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 3 • Day 4 “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 5: John’s Testimony of the King’s Baptism Matthew 2: Prophecy Fulfilled: Preservation of the King

John was expectantly waiting for the Messiah to come. He knew that He was to prepare the way in the hearts of the people for someone greater, someone who would not only forgive the sins of men, but baptize in the spirit upon receiving eternal life. Think back to Christmas morning and your excitement at what laid under the tree for you. Imagine how John felt first seeing Jesus coming toward him and then seeing the dove signal Jesus’ identity. Look with excitement into the pages of this record accord- ing to John. The King of kings is anointed.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 3:1-17 Today’s Scripture Focus: John 1:29-34

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. John the Baptist saw Jesus and gave him a very special title used only 2 times in the book of John. What is it?

2. John gives him this title and then tells what Jesus has come to do, what is that?

3. Verse 31 gives some interesting insight into one of the reasons why Jesus was baptized, what did John think the reason was? Why would He need to be revealed to Israel?

4. Both Matthew and John tell about the Spirit coming down like a dove upon Jesus, but what powerful event does John leave out in his account? Why do you think this is?

E 5. John shares that he would not have known Jesus was the Messiah, but something special was told to him, what was it in verse 33? Who was it who told him what to watch for?

A ACTING on God’s Word John heard from the Lord that when he saw the Spirit come down and remain on someone it would be the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This must have been an amazing revelation when John saw the heavens open and the Spirit descend. When have you heard the Holy Spirit speak to you about something? Tell about the event briefly. Why was it so powerful and memorable to you?

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (v. 29) What an awesome verse! The title “Lamb of God” is one that indicates what Jesus would do for us, He would be our lamb of sacrifice to take all of our sins away once and for all. Praise Him for His willing- ness to be that sacrificial lamb.

Close in Prayer

NOTES