Today's passage is perfect for this series as it both fulfills Old Testament prophecy and gives New Testament prophecy, only some of which has already come to pass, and all of which impacts our lives today. Let the word of God ignite a zealous passion for His mission in our lives and the community around us.

Matthew 3:1-12

1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”

4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier 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 and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

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

+ What was John the Baptist's message and what purpose did it serve? [v1-3; the Isaiah reference is Isaiah 40:3]

+ Who was responding to John's message and why? [v5-7]

+ What was John's message to the Jewish leaders, the Pharisees and Sadducees? [v7-12]

+ Of whom was John talking in v11-12?

[ 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?

+ The Pharisees and Sadducees were making up their own versions of right and wrong that did not align to God's. Are you doing this in your own life?

+ John's message is no less relevant today. Knowing that God can call is up at any time, is there anything you need to repent of and change your ways?

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

+ What is my next step?

+ John was reaching out to his community daily in obedience to God. How are you obeying God's commandment to make disciples?