What a joy it is to proclaim our new life in Christ through water baptism. It is a beautiful outward expression of an inner choice and transformation, leaving a life far from a savior and entering a life of eternal joy with Christ Jesus. The people seeking John were looking for that very savior, but he made sure they knew that he was merely a forerunner for Christ. He wanted them to know that though they could be baptized by water and repent, a savior was coming to baptize them in fire and search their hearts. I pray that we humble ourselves as John did and prepare our hearts for the Lord.

Matthew 3:11-12

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What specific task did John’s ministry accomplish?

+ Where did John rank himself? How did he set the stage for the arriving Jesus?

+ In vs. 11, he mentions baptizing by the Holy Spirit. What does this entail? Reference Joel 2:28-29.

+ Threshing and winnowing are terms used to describe the process that separates the grain from the chaff (useless part of straw). Why does John use this? What is represented by the chaff?

+ What is the unquenchable fire?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Am I prepared for judgement among the grain and chaff?

+ What can I be doing or confessing to prepare my soul for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?