Four Things The Messiah Would DO

FOUR THINGS JESUS WILL DO.

Matthew 3:11, 12.

John explains what he does and then gives a brief summary of what the Messiah would do. John goes on to say that what Jesus will do is more powerful and mightier than anything he could do.

He will—

but he that comethafter me - Means; "THE COMING ONE" and is a messianic title[1] or you could translate it, "the coming of a "stronger one" whom John is not worthy even to serve"[4]

"John views himself as of lower status than a slave, one of whose most menial tasks was to carry the usually dirty sandals of his master. If John’s audience should think him impressive, one far more powerful will soon appear."[2]

1. "Baptize you." - One of the marks of the Messiah would be the baptizing of his followers with the Holy Spirit and fire. It would give both spiritual power and purity to the believers. (Fire can also refer to judgement)

The Jews baptized Gentile converts, but John was baptizing Jews! His baptism was authorized from heaven (Matt. 21:23–27); it was not something John devised or borrowed. It was a baptism of repentance, looking forward to the Messiah’s coming (Acts 19:1–7). His baptism fulfilled two purposes: It prepared the nation for Christ, and it presented Christ to the nation (John 1:31).[3]

2. "Purge His floor." Fan means a winnowing fork

A winnowing fork is a pitchfork used to toss wheat in the air to separate grain from chaff. The grain is the part of the plant that is useful; chaff is the worthless outer shell. Because it is useless, chaff is burned; grain, however, is gathered.

"Winnowing" is often used as a picture of God's judgment. Unrepentant people will be judged and discarded because they are worthless in doing God's work; those who repent and believe will be saved and used by God.

Life Application Study Bible.

3. "Gather His wheat." -Aren't you glad God knows who his own are, and he will take care of them. Jesus often used the concept of wheat to describe those that were righteous.

Matthew 13:24-30 (KJV)

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Some things about wheat

Something of sturdiness - not blown about by wind or the winnowing fork

Something of substance - provides nourishment to others,

Something of Surgence - can be multiplied by planting - John 12:24 (KJV)

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

4. "Burn the chaff." What cannot withstand the winnowing will be burned. What is not useful or productive.

Black Handfuls on Purpose - – Handfuls on Purpose Vol. 4-6.

Blue My Additions

[M] The New American Commentary [M] The New American Commentary [M] Warren Wiersbe Be Loyal (Matthew) [M] NICNT----------------------------------