Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 10am and 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS FOUR: Ministry of John the Baptist
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 3:1–17
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Scripture Concerning John the Baptist (3:1-3)
a. “In those days,” Matthew is referring to a fulfilled prophesy.
b. Matthew prefers “kingdom of heaven” over “kingdom of God.” He uses the phrase 33 times in his gospel. He only uses “kingdom of God” when he is quoting Jesus.
c. Matthew quotes Isaiah 40:3 as a reference to John the Baptist. This prophesy is for a divine appearance.
d. Malachi (4:5-6) prophesied 400 years earlier than John the Baptist and nearly 400 years after Elijah’s ministry. He was the last Old Testament prophet before John.
e. Jesus on John’s ministry: (Matthew 11:7-15; 17:10-13)
f. Compare the gospels of Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:2-17; and John 1:6-8, 15, 19-34 concerning John the Baptist.
g. Historian Josephus on John the Baptist (*Antiquities of the Jews, Book XVIII, Chapter 5)
IV. John’s Ministry (3:4-6)
a. John’s appearance is much like Elijah’s in 2nd Kings 1:8.
b. How many people do you think were coming out to see John?
c. What was his ministry?
d. Gee Whiz Info: For centuries baptism had been one of four steps necessary for a Gentile to covert to Judaism. The other three were sacrifice, circumcision, and memorizing portions of the Mosaic Law.
V. The Pharisees and Sadducees (3:7-12)
a. Why do you suppose John was so harsh with the Sadducees and Pharisees?
i. What is significant about calling them a brood of Vipers?
b. What does he mean by “produce fruit consistent with repentance?”
c. In verse 9 John probably uses a Hebrew play on words. The word ben is child and the word eben is stone.
d. What is the threat in verse 10?
e. (vs. 11) At that time a slave was not required to remove their master’s sandal because it was considered a very menial task. What do John’s words reveal about himself in comparison to Jesus?
f. What does John mean by “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire?” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
g. What is meant by the symbolism of the winnowing fork?
VI. Jesus Comes to be Baptized (3:13-17)
a. Jesus is about 30 years old. What does it reveal that He comes from Galilee?
b. What is John’s response to Jesus’ request to be baptized?
c. (vs. 15) Why does Jesus tell John to allow it?
d. (vv. 16-17) Compare / Contrast this account with Mark 1:10-11 and Luke 3:21-22.
i. This affirmation is reflected in Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1.
VII. Application
a. We should resolve to be truthful in word and deed, in spite of outward and cultural circumstances and pressures to compromise our faith. (1st John 2:15-17)
b. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not by our family or religious heritage. (Galatians 3:26-29)
Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Jesus Begins His Ministry - Read Matthew 4:1-25 to prepare.
