Lesson 420: Matthew 3:2
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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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
In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
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
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Matthew 3:3) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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What does repentance mean before you can receive good news?
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How is God's kingdom 'near' in a way that demands response?
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Who in your life models bold, humble preparation for Christ?
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