The first couple of chapters of Matthew provided us with a little information about who Jesus is, Immanuel, and His birth and early childhood. Then the curtain closed for 25+ years, pulling back in chapter three by introducing John the Baptist.
John was a relative of Jesus, though it is unknown whether they had ever met before Jesus’ baptism. John had grown up living in the wilderness (Luke 1:80). Then one day, God called him to begin preaching in the wilderness near the Jordan River. And John was what we might today call a hellfire and brimstone preacher. John was issuing a call to repentance. And he was especially harsh with the religious elite of his day.
John the Baptist was described as wearing a camel hair cloak with a leather belt, and eating locusts and honey. This would not have been the height of fashion, but it is what you would expect from someone living alone in the wilderness. And was probably very similar to what the prophet Elijah wore (2 Kings 1:8) and ate.
Who was John, besides a relative of Jesus? He was a prophet who came in the spirit of Elijah (Mal. 4:5-6, Matt. 17:10-13). And he was the voice of one crying out in the wilderness spoken of in Isaiah 40:3-5. He was the forerunner of Jesus, who came to prepare the hearts of the people.
The Baptism of Jesus
This chapter closes with Jesus coming to be baptized. John was reluctant to baptize Jesus, believing, rightly, that Jesus was far and away the greater of the two of them. But Jesus insisted. Not because of any need of repentance on His part, but because it served to initiate His ministry.
As Jesus came up out of the water, we see the first expression of the Trinity in Matthew’s gospel. The Holy Spirit descended on Him. And the Father spoke from heaven, identifying Jesus as His well-loved Son.
The Spirit played a significant role in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus was fully human, with all the limitations of humanity. But the Holy Spirit, working through Him, was able to perform miracles and often knew the thoughts of others.
Other Posts from this Chapter
Dressed in Camel’s Hair
Matthew 3:4
Produce Fruit In Keeping With Repentance
Matthew 3:8
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