Bible Notes

Matthew 3

The expression "kingdom of heaven" (literally "of the heavens"), one that is peculiar to Matthew, refers to the rule of the heavens, i.e. the rule of the God of heaven over the earth (compare Da. 2:44; 4:25, 32). The kingdom of heaven is similar in many respects to the kingdom of God and is often used synonymously with it, though emphasizing certain features of divine government. When contrasted with the universal kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven includes only men on earth, excluding angels and other creatures. The kingdom of heaven is the earthly sphere of profession as shown by the inclusion of those designated as wheat and weeds, the latter of which are thrown out of the kingdom (Mt. 13:41), and is compared to a net containing both the good and bad fish which are later separated(Mt.13:47). The kingdom of heaven is revealed in three aspects in Matthew:

(1) As "near" the kingdom is offered in the Person of the King, of whom john the Baptist is the forerunner (Mt. 3:1).

(2) As fulfilled in the present age, the kingdom of heaven is presented in seven "secrets" (Mt. 13), revealing the character of the rule of heaven over the earth between the first and second comings of the Lord. And

(3) as fulfilled after the second coming of Christ, the kingdom of heaven will be realized in the future millennial kingdom as predicted by Daniel (Da. 2:34-36,44-45) and covenanted to David (2Sa. 7:12-16; see lee. 12:8, note). This millennial form of the kingdom of heaven is wholly future and will be set up after the return of the King in glory (Mt. 24:2925:46; Acts 15:14-17).

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1.In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2.and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3.This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "

4.John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5.People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6.Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7.But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8.Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9.And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10.The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11."I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12.His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

The Baptism of Jesus

13.Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14.But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15.Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

16.As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17.And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

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