1 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
2 (and) saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
3 It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'"
4 John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5 At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him
6 and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.
7 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 coming wrath?
8 Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
10 Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.
12 His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
14 John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?"
15 Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him.
16 After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him.
17 And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Versículos relacionados com Matthew, 3:
St. Matthew 3 presents the figure of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. The chapter describes his ministry in the desert, where he preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. John the Baptist is an example of humility and devotion to God, who called the people to repentance and faith. The following verses deal with topics related to this message of repentance and preparation for the arrival of Jesus:
Isaiah 40:3: "Voice of what cries out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord; straighten in the wilderness to our God." This verse is quoted in St. Matthew 3:3, when John the Baptist begins to preach in the desert. Isaiah's prophecy announces the arrival of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. John the Baptist fulfills this prophecy in announcing the coming of Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 18:30: "Therefore, I will judge you, to each one according to His ways, O house of Israel, say the Lord God. stumbling. " This verse highlights the importance of repentance and life change. John the Baptist preached the same message of conversion and repentance, calling the people to turn to God and abandon their sins.
Jeremiah 7:3-4: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, God of Israel: Amend your ways and your works, and I will make you dwell in this place. You do not trust false words, saying, Temple of the Lord, Temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord is this. " This verse warns the people against empty trust in religion, remembering that God seeks a real change of heart and attitude. John the Baptist preached the same message, calling people to actually repent and to bear fruit in good works.
Matthew 3:8: "I produced fruits worthy of repentance." In this verse, John the Baptist urges the people to produce fruits that show sincere repentance. He was not content with empty religious words or ceremonies, but sought a real change of life in people's hearts.
Luke 3:16: "He [Jesus] shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." This verse refers to Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, who would baptize believers in his name. John the Baptist, in preparing the way to Jesus, anticipated this promise and announced that baptism with the Holy Spirit would be one of the marks of the coming of the Messiah.
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