Here’s an additional free online resource for your study: IVP online commentary
Now let’s get into chapter 3.
Remember, we are setting up our study time the same way we word our Mission here at Community.
Stepping In: READ IT
Read Matthew 3:1-17
Building Up: STUDY IT
Focus on Matthew 3:3
John the Baptist didn’t “save” anyone. He simply pointed the way to the One that could save them from their sins. John, as Isaiah prophesied, got rid of the barriers. He smoothed out the path so it was easy for people to get to Jesus.
Today the church can create roadblocks. We can add traditions and rituals that confuse people rather than helping them find Jesus. Maybe the barriers come from our own unfaithfulness because we say one thing and do another.
What are some ways I can be more like John the Baptist and help people have easy access to Jesus?
Living Out: APPLY IT
In verse 3 I clearly see an “example to follow” using my application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR).
John The Baptist was a truly unique guy, but he’s definitely someone I need to be more like.
Here’s my prayer as I invite God to help me carry out what He’s been leading me to understand and do. You can write out and pray your own specific application. Mine is just an example for you.
Dear Father, I want to “prepare the way” for others to meet you. I sure don’t want to be the reason or excuse they can’t seem to see you clearly. Help me be a man of integrity and faithfulness. Let my love for others be something that is contagious and attracts others to find out more about the One (Jesus) who is working inside of me. I don’t want to be so busy doing Your work that I miss out on what You are really doing. Open my eyes and I’ll help anyone I can see you more clearly. It’s Tuesday, but I feel like today you can use me to lead someone to you. Please help me do exactly that today.