Matthew 3: Discussion Questions

April 26, 2021 in Today's Discussion by TGV

Bible Study Guide/ Matthew 3, (40-BSG-3K)/ Discussion Questions

 


 To Think About And Discuss[1] All four Gospels provide an account of the baptism of Jesus by John. Identify each passage.

[2] While Matthew simply records that ‘John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness’ (3:1), Luke records more details about the birth of John. Read Luke 1 and see what similarities you can find between the births of John and Jesus.

[3] Matthew points out that John was reluctant to baptize Jesus, but why? Identify and Discuss four things Jesus would do according to Mt 3:11-12.

[4] The Bible is clear – Jesus did not sin! Obviously Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt (Mt 3:6), so why was He baptized anyway? For what purpose?

[5] Matthew 3:10 talks about trees bearing fruit. What do the following passages tell us about the importance of bearing fruit: Psalm 92:14; Hosea 14:8; John 15:1–5; Galatians 5:22–23?

For Further Study [6] Read Matt 21:32, where Jesus describes the purpose for John the Baptist’s ministry. How do John’s Message and actions in this chapter compare with the description Jesus gives later?

[7] During His passion week the chief priests, scribes, and elders asked Jesus by what authority He worked (Mt. 21:23–27; Mk 11:27–33; Lk 20:1–8). He replied with a counter question: Was John’s baptism of divine or human origin? Why bring the subject of John’s baptism here? What was the intended meaning?

For Self-Examination [8] In the Great Commission of Mt 28:19-20, Christ made it clear that He required baptism of those who wished to become a part of His church, His spiritual kingdom. Baptism, among other things, demonstrate that a penitent sinner has entered into a personal relationship with Christ – (a newness of life)! Have you been baptized? How can you help someone who is still undecided about this important step of faith?

For Life Today[9] “Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance” (3:8). What kind of fruit do you think this should be?

[10] In verse 11, John announces that Christ would “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Everybody have heard about the Holy Spirit. But what is the baptism of fire? What fire have you seen in your life?

[11] In this chapter we saw briefly the Preparation for the Messiah’s Coming/ Ministry. In fact, this preparation for ministry will continue in the next chapter, namely the Temptation. Taking Jesus’ example as a model for us, what kind of preparation do we need for having an effective ministry for God?

For Going Deeper [12] Consider again the major truth expressed in Matthew 3:13-17. How does Roman 6:3-11 and Acts 2:41; 16:14–15; 8:35-36; 18:24–26;  19:1–7; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col 2:12; Mt 28:19-20 expand your understanding of the doctrine of Christian Baptism. Is Baptism by immersion a clear command from God? Discuss.

For Personal Implications[13]This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17). – “As believers, we too are a delight to the Father, because we are now in the Son. Because the Father finds no imperfection in His Son, He now by His grace finds no imperfection in those who trust in Him (cf. Rom. 3:26; 5:17, 21; Gal. 2:20; 3:27; Eph. 1:3–6; etc.).” – [John F. MacArthur Jr., Matthew, MacArthur New Testament Commentary, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), 1:81]. How does having known the fact that you too can be called “the beloved of God” gives you courage to trust Him? And the confidence you need to face temptations, trials of life? How can this fact help shape your attitudes, behavior and conduct as a child of God?


 

The End: Welcome for comments, further discussion as we attempt to answer these questions. Use the Bible, Commentaries, Dictionaries, etc. God Bless You!

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