Matthew Chapter 3: John the Baptist

Study Notes

John the Baptist's Preaching and Message

John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea.
He wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather girdle around his waist.
People from Jerusalem, Judea and all the region around the Jordan River came to John's baptism, seeking repentance for their sins.
John told the Pharisees and Sadducees that they were a brood of vipers, and that they needed to produce fruits worthy of repentance.
John prophesied that the one coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
He stated that trees that do not bear good fruit would be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Significance of John's Message and Actions

John the Baptist's message was a call to repentance and to prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
The fruit expected from those who repent included being compassionate, sharing with the poor, helping the vulnerable, and making peace.
The axe being laid unto the root of the trees symbolizes God's judgment on those who do not repent.
The one coming after John the Baptist is Jesus, who would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and bring about spiritual transformation through his teachings and miracles.
The simple clothing of John the Baptist was a symbol of his humility and his focus on the message of repentance.
The prophet Esaias' prophecy (Isaiah 40:3) concerning the voice of one crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord, was fulfilled by John the Baptist's ministry.

Description

Test your knowledge of Matthew Chapter 3, which tells the story of John the Baptist's preaching and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. This quiz covers the biblical account of John's message and lifestyle.