Thematic Bible
Matthew 3:1 (show verse)
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming:
Matthew 3:2 (show verse)
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
Matthew 3:3 (show verse)
Isaiah spoke of John when he said: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.' (Isaiah 40:3)
Matthew 3:4 (show verse)
John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
Matthew 3:5 (show verse)
People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him.
Matthew 3:6 (show verse)
They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River.
Matthew 3:7 (show verse)
He saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. You offspring of vipers, he said, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Matthew 3:8 (show verse)
Bear fruit worthy of repentance!
Matthew 3:9 (show verse)
Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones!
Matthew 3:10 (show verse)
The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 3:11 (show verse)
I baptize you with water because of your repentance. He that comes after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. I am not even good enough to carry his sandals.
Matthew 3:12 (show verse)
His winnowing shovel is in his hand. He will clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into a barn. He will then burn the husks in a fire that cannot be put out.
Matthew 3:13 (show verse)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.
Matthew 3:14 (show verse)
I need to be baptized by you, John said. Why are you coming to me?
Matthew 3:15 (show verse)
Jesus answered emphatically: This is the proper way to do everything that God requires. This is the way it must be!
Matthew 3:16 (show verse)
Then Jesus was baptized and came up from the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened. He saw God's Spirit coming down like a dove.
Matthew 3:17 (show verse)
Then a voice from heaven said: This is my Son whom I love and whom I have approved.