Free group study handout
Matthew 3: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Matthew 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
John the Baptizer comes preaching in the wilderness of Judea and calls for repentance, stating, 'the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand' (vv. 1-2). His message fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, which describes him as 'the voice of one crying in the wilderness' (v.
Key verse
“Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16-17 (WEB)
Outline
- Matthew 3:1–2 John the Baptist's Call
- Matthew 3:3 Fulfillment of Prophecy
- Matthew 3:4–6 John's Lifestyle and Baptism
- Matthew 3:7–10 Challenge to Religious Leaders
- Matthew 3:11–12 John's Baptism vs. Jesus' Baptism
- Matthew 3:13–15 Jesus' Baptism
- Matthew 3:16–17 Heavens Open and Divine Declaration
Discussion questions
- In v6, who were baptized by John in the Jordan?
- What does John say about producing fruit in v8?
- John's statement in v9 about stones: what is he implying about God's ability to create children of Abraham?
- John's phrase 'offspring of vipers' in v7: what does this imply about his perception of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
- When have you needed to produce 'fruit worthy of repentance' in your own life?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Matthew 3: Luke 3, Mark 1, John 1.
Before next time: read Matthew 4.