V1-12
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (v2)
This chapter begins with John the Baptist. He preached in the wilderness, calling people to repent. Matthew says that he fulfilled the prophetic word spoken in Isaiah 40:3 about someone who would prepare the way for the Lord.
Many people asked John to baptise them. He was critical of those people who only got baptised so that they would look good. They had not truly repented. John also told them about the one who would come after him: the one who would bring the Holy Spirit and fire.
In verse 8, John says that our repentance should produce fruit in our lives.
The Greek word for repentance used here is μετανοίας (metanoias). It comes from the word metanoia, which means to change one’s mind or purpose, to think differently.
If we produce fruit in keeping with repentance then our actions show on the outside the change that has happened on the inside.
Prepare the way for the Lord (v3)
John the Baptist’s calling was to prepare the way for Jesus. We also have a calling to prepare the people around us to meet with Jesus.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to where John was baptising (v7)
The Greek word for ‘baptise’ is βαπτίζω (baptizó), which means to dip or sink.
In the New Testament, the word normally refers to baptism, but in Mark 7:4 it refers to the ceremonial washing and cleansing of hands, cups and bowls. It is ironic that the Pharisees baptised their hands and utensils before eating but they did not receive the true baptism that comes from repentance.
V13-17
Jesus came to be baptized by John (v13)
This bible passage tells us how Jesus came to John to be baptised. John was not happy about it, but Jesus convinced him that it was the right thing to do. If Jesus thought baptism was important then so should we.
This is my Son, whom I love (v17)
As Jesus came up out of the water he received the Holy Spirit and was identified as God’s Son by a voice from heaven. Jesus’ identity was secure before he began his ministry.
Do you know that you are loved by God?
Romans 8:14-17 says that we are adopted as God’s children and we have the right to call him Father. 1 John 3:1 says that the Father has lavished his love upon us.
We do not serve God to make him love us. We serve God because he loves us.
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