Notes and Jottings
(3:1) Matthew introduces the ministry of John the Baptist with the familiar biblical expression, “in those days.” The Old Testament prophets frequently employed this phrase when introducing significant moments in God’s redemptive programme. It marks the beginning of a new stage in the fulfilment of divine prophecy, linking John’s ministry directly with God’s unfolding plan for Israel.
(3:1) preaching. The Greek word kēryssō denotes the public proclamation of an official message. John was not offering personal opinions but declaring God’s authoritative announcement to the nation.
(3:1) the wilderness of Judea. The barren wilderness west of the Dead Sea had long been associated with God’s dealings with His people. Prophets, shepherds, and those seeking separation from the corruption of society often withdrew there. John’s austere lifestyle reflected that of Elijah (2 Kgs 1:8), emphasising repentance, simplicity, and complete devotion to God.
(3:2) Repent. Repentance means a change of mind that results in a turning from sin to God. John called the nation of Israel to genuine inward repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. True repentance always produces a changed life (vv. 8–10).
(3:2) The expression “kingdom of heaven” is unique to Matthew and occurs over thirty times in this Gospel. It refers to the promised Messianic kingdom foretold by the Old Testament prophets, when the Son of David will reign over the earth from Jerusalem (Dan. 2:44; 7:13–14, 27; Isa. 9:6–7). Matthew uses the expression “heaven” because the kingdom originates from heaven and represents heaven’s rule over the earth (Matt. 6:10). It does not describe heaven itself, but God’s earthly kingdom administered by the Messiah.
The kingdom appears in three distinct aspects in Matthew’s Gospel:
The kingdom offered (Matt. 3–12), when the King presented Himself to Israel through the ministries of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus.
The mysteries of the kingdom (Matt. 13), describing the present age between the King’s rejection and His return, during which the kingdom exists in mystery form.
The future kingdom (Matt. 24–25), which will be established visibly when Christ returns in glory to reign over the nations.
The kingdom was “at hand” because the King Himself was present.
(2:3) through Isaiah the prophet. Matthew identifies John as the fulfilment of Isaiah 40:3. Unlike Mark, who also cites Malachi 3:1, Matthew emphasises Isaiah’s prophecy to demonstrate that John prepared the way for Israel’s promised Messiah.
(3:2) A voice of one crying out in the wilderness. John was the divinely appointed herald sent before the King. In the ancient world, servants were sent ahead of a monarch to prepare the roads for his arrival. Likewise, John’s ministry was to prepare hearts through repentance.
(3:2) Prepare the way of the Lord. Isaiah originally spoke these words concerning Israel’s restoration after the Babylonian captivity, but the prophecy ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah. Matthew shows that the true preparation for Christ’s coming was spiritual rather than political—a people humbled before God through repentance.
(3:4) his garment from camel’s hair. John’s clothing deliberately resembled that of Elijah (2 Kings 1:8), reinforcing his prophetic role as the promised forerunner. His appearance reflected a life separated from worldly comforts and wholly devoted to God’s service.
(3:4) locusts and wild honey. Locusts were among the insects declared clean under the Mosaic Law (Lev. 11:22) and were commonly eaten in the region. Wild honey, found naturally in rocks and trees, provided nourishment. John’s simple diet reflected his life of self-denial rather than religious ritualism.
(3:5) were going out to him. People travelled from Jerusalem, Judaea, and throughout the Jordan valley to hear John’s preaching. His message stirred the conscience of the nation, awakening many to their spiritual need.
(3:6) Jordan. The Jordan River held profound significance in Israel’s history, marking the nation’s entrance into the Promised Land under Joshua. John’s ministry at the Jordan symbolised a new beginning for Israel as God prepared His people for the coming King.
(3:6) were being baptised by him in the Jordan River. John’s baptism symbolised repentance and readiness for the coming Messiah. It did not impart salvation but publicly identified those who confessed their sins and believed God’s message. Baptism was the outward testimony of an inward response.
(3:7) Pharisees and Sadducees. Although these two influential Jewish sects differed sharply in doctrine and practice, they were united in their opposition to God’s messengers. Matthew introduces them here because they would later become the principal opponents of the Lord Jesus.
(3:7) Offspring of vipers. John exposed their hypocrisy with severe prophetic language. Like venomous serpents, they concealed spiritual corruption beneath an outward appearance of religion.
(3:7) who warned you to flee from the coming wrath. John challenged the sincerity of their motives. Mere religious profession could not shield them from God’s coming judgment. Genuine repentance alone would prepare them for the Messiah.
(3:8) Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance. True repentance always produces visible evidence. Good works do not produce salvation, but genuine repentance inevitably bears fruit in a transformed life.
(3:9) We have Abraham as father. Many Jews relied upon their physical descent from Abraham as a guarantee of God’s favour. John rejected this false confidence. God’s covenant blessings belong to those who share Abraham’s faith, not merely his ancestry.
(3:9) God is able of these stones. God’s purposes cannot be frustrated by unbelief. If Israel rejected her Messiah, God was fully able to raise up a believing people according to His sovereign will.
(3:10) the axe is laid at the root. Judgment was imminent. The image portrays a tree already marked for destruction. Every individual who failed to produce the fruit of genuine repentance faced divine judgment.
(3:10) Fire symbolises God’s holy judgment upon unbelief.
(3:11) one coming after me. John gladly acknowledged the absolute superiority of Christ. Although their ministries briefly overlapped, John’s purpose was only to point men to the One who alone could save.
(3:11) whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. Even performing the work of the lowest servant for Christ was an honour John considered himself unworthy to receive.
(3:11) he will baptise you in the Holy Spirit and fire. The baptism with the Holy Spirit began at Pentecost, when believers were united into the Body of Christ (Acts 2; 1 Cor. 12:13). The baptism with fire speaks of divine judgment upon those who reject the Messiah, not a second blessing for believers.
(3:12) Whose winnowing fork is in his hand. The picture is drawn from the threshing floor. After the grain had been beaten, it was tossed into the air with a winnowing fork. The valuable grain fell to the ground, while the worthless chaff was carried away by the wind. Christ will likewise separate the righteous from the wicked with perfect justice.
(3:12) unquenchable fire. This describes eternal judgment from which there is no escape or relief.
3:13-17 THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Matthew records the inauguration of the Lord’s public ministry. Although entirely without sin, Jesus came to John to be baptised, identifying Himself with God’s righteous purposes and with the believing remnant of Israel. Following His baptism, the Father publicly affirmed the Son, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, marking His divine commission.
3:13-17 THE TRINITY REVEALED
For the first time in Scripture, the three Persons of the Godhead are manifested together: the Son stands in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him, and the Father speaks from heaven. This remarkable scene affirms both the unity of the Godhead and the distinction of the three divine Persons.
(3:13) I have need to be baptised by you. Recognising Christ’s holiness, John understood that he himself stood in need of cleansing rather than the sinless Son of God.
(3:15) to fulfil all righteousness. Jesus was not confessing sin but fulfilling every requirement of God’s will. His baptism publicly identified Him with the Father’s redemptive plan and with those who responded in faith to John’s message.
(2:15) John submitted to the authority of Christ and willingly obeyed His command.
(2:16) the heavens were opened. The opening of heaven signifies divine revelation and approval. God visibly intervened to commission His beloved Son for His earthly ministry.
(2:16) the Spirit of God descending like a dove. The Holy Spirit descended in visible form, not because Christ lacked the Spirit, but to publicly anoint and authenticate His Messianic ministry (Isa. 11:2; 42:1). The dove symbolises purity, peace, and gentleness.
(2:17) This is my Son, the Beloved. The Father’s declaration combines the royal language of Psalm 2:7 with the Servant prophecy of Isaiah 42:1. Jesus is both the promised King and the suffering Servant, perfectly pleasing His Father in every respect. Before a single miracle had been performed or sermon preached, the Father openly declared His complete delight in the obedience and person of His beloved Son.
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