In Matthew 3, John the Baptist prepares the way for the Messianic Kingdom, preaching in the Judean desert. It's been 25 years since Joseph and Mary moved back to Nazareth. Pharisees were Jewish laymen that followed many extrabiblical traditions. The Sadducees were a priestly group that received authority form work in the temple. Both groups coming to John for Baptism is an interesting picture. The Pharisees tried to save themselves. And, the Sadducees felt they were saved because of their position. But neither saves. John gives them a major warning—repent and don't rely on their blood-line from Abraham for salvation. And, if they don't, like an unhealthy tree, they will be "cut down and thrown into the fire." This is a dire warning. In tomorrow's section, John will speak of the coming Messiah. Today’s section gives a reminder that we can't be our own saviors. We need Jesus!
Matthew 3:7-10
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; 9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10 The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ “You brood of vipers”—what caused John to use such strong language? [v7]
+ What two things are they called to do in verse 8? [v8]
+ What disallows them from supposing they “have Abraham as their father”? [v9]
+ For what reason do you think they need to “bear fruit”? What is fruit evidence of? [10]
+ “Every tree that does not bear good fruit”—who does this refer to? [10]
[ 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?
+ What do you need to repent from? [v8]
+ If you repent, what fruit will you bear? [v8]
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?