The King Has Come WK 2: Preparing The Way

Title: "Prepare the Way: Repentance and Baptism"

I. Introduction

A. Setting the Scene (Matthew 3:1) - John the Baptist appears in the wilderness.

B. Prophetic Fulfillment (Matthew 3:2) - John's message echoes the prophetic call to repentance.

Matthew 3:1–12 “1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” 4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of …” 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.””

II. Repentance Demanded (Matthew 3:2-6)

A. The Urgency of Repentance (Matthew 3:2) - Emphasize the immediate need for a change of heart.

B. Fruits of Repentance (Matthew 3:8) - Discuss the transformation that genuine repentance brings.

C. Symbolic Act: Baptism (Matthew 3:6) - Explore the significance of baptism as an outward expression of repentance.

III. Warning to the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:7-10)

A. Confronting Hypocrisy (Matthew 3:7) - John challenges the religious leaders about their motives.

B. The Axe at the Root (Matthew 3:10) - Highlight the seriousness of genuine repentance and the consequences of unbelief.

IV. The Coming Messiah (Matthew 3:11-12)

A. John's Humility (Matthew 3:11) - Acknowledge John's recognition of his role in light of the coming Messiah.

B. Baptism by the Holy Spirit and Fire (Matthew 3:11) - Explain the dual nature of Christ's work – purification and empowerment.

C. Winnowing Fork and Unquenchable Fire (Matthew 3:12) - Discuss the separation of the righteous and the unrighteous at the final judgment.

V. Application

A. Urging Repentance Today - Encourage the congregation to respond to John's call for repentance.

B. Embracing Baptism - Invite those who haven't been baptized to consider its symbolic importance.

C. Living in Light of Christ's Coming - Challenge believers to live with anticipation of Christ's return.

VI. Conclusion

A. Summarize Key Points - Recap the importance of repentance, baptism, and readiness for the coming Messiah.

B. Closing Prayer - Pray for a spirit of repentance and readiness in the hearts of the congregation.