Lesson 420: Matthew 3:2
Matthew 3:2
The Blueprint — The Verse
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
John the Baptist preached in the Judean wilderness around AD 27–29, preparing the way for Jesus. Roman occupation, Herodian politics, and religious division shaped the world into which the Messiah came.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Matthew 3 introduces John as the voice crying in the wilderness. He wore camel's hair, ate locusts and honey, and baptized crowds in the Jordan as they confessed sin and anticipated God's coming kingdom.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Matthew 3:1
John the Baptist Prepares the Way1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Matthew 3:1) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Matthew 3:3
3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord,make straight paths for him.’ ”
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Matthew 3:3) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- What does repentance mean before you can receive good news?
- How is God's kingdom 'near' in a way that demands response?
- Who in your life models bold, humble preparation for Christ?