Jesus’ family moved to Nazareth at the end of Matthew 2, shortly after Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:19–23). Chapter 3 quickly progressed by several years.
John the Baptist is introduced in Matthew chapter three. John is his name, and he is referred to as “the Baptist” since he offers baptisms. He provides water baptisms.
John the Baptist is first introduced to us in Matthew 3 as he enters the Judean desert to preach, calling Israel to repentance in anticipation of the coming “kingdom of heaven” (3:1-2)
Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.This verse reveals that John dressed and ate like a person who lived in the wilderness or the desert supports Isaiah’s prediction regarding John the Baptist..
Several people made long trips to hear John speak in the wilderness because they were eager to hear his message. John baptized many of them as a symbol of their repentance to Christ and readiness for His everlasting kingdom (Matthew 3:1–6).
The religious authorities in Israel appear to have noticed this. The text doesn’t make it clear as to why the Pharisees and Sadducees traveled to the wilderness to see John’s baptism. They either came to observe and judge if they agreed with John’s message about the upcoming Messiah or they were there to repent and be baptized themselves as a religious gesture. Their spiritual tasks would have included monitoring John’s teachings (John 1:19–28), but other gospels reveal that these men are more determined to disprove John than to learn from him.
The Pharisees and Sadducees, Israel’s official religious authorities appear to have noticed this, But when John saw them show up for his baptisms, he was stern with them and called them a pack of vipers. He wonders who informed them to leave because of God’s impending wrath on those who refuse to turn from their sin. John reminded them not to think they would be protected only because they were Abrahamic ancestors. The barren branches would need to be cut off despite God’s promises to Israel. John claimed that if God so wishes, He may create new life even from the stones for Abraham (Matthew 3:7–10).
As the prophets during Israel’s history, John the Baptist urged the people to turn from sin and live a life of faithfulness to God. His message, in contrast with the messages of others, was that the Messiah, who would bring the kingdom of heaven to earth, was close at hand. The Messiah would send the Holy Spirit and fire to baptize those who followed Him, but He would also bring judgment on those who disobeyed Him (Matthew 3:1–2, 11).
John finally explains the purpose of his baptism. He immerses those who are ready in water as a symbol of repentance. Yet, he is preparing the way for someone who would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and fire and who is far more powerful than he is. John is describing the long-awaited Messiah, who will establish God’s authority on earth and impose judgment on those who disobey him. Like a farmer separates the good wheat from the useless chaff, he will separate them from Israel (Matthew 3:11–12).
In order to be baptized by John, Jesus traveled from Galilee to Jordan (Matthew 3:13). Jesus didn’t have anything to regret! Jesus had nothing to repent of. So in order to satisfy all righteousness, he travels to John to be baptized by him. to start a mission that Jesus will finish after thousands of years of trying by God’s people.
He is illustrating what it means to completely submit to and obey His Heavenly Father’s wishes. Because he will always obey His Heavenly Father, he won’t ever have a need for repentance.
God the Father and the Holy Spirit also appear as Jesus leaves the water. Jesus notices the heavens opening as He emerges from the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove to rest on Him. Then, he hears the voice of the Father, who acknowledges Christ as His beloved Son and proclaims His satisfaction with Jesus (Matthew 3:16–17).
This begins Jesus’ ministry on earth and establishes His status as both the Son of God and the Jewish Scriptures’ prophesied Messiah.