Matthew 3

It isn't mentioned directly, but this chapter jumps forward many years from the previous ones. Jesus is now a grown man, and we are introduced briefly to John the Baptizer (I use that term out of habit, as it is what a prof in my high school used to make sure people didn't think John was a Baptist in the modern denominational sense). The details about him and his relationship to Jesus are glossed over in this Gospel, but when I get to... I think it is Luke... there will be a lot more depth about them. As I read Matthew I really begin to appreciate Luke more: it was geared toward a Gentile audience, while Matthew was aimed at Jewish folks. That is in part why Matthew focuses so heavily on where Jesus and the events surrounding His life fulfill prophecy.

Speaking of that, we find out that John's ministry was foretold by Isaiah (40:3). The classic idea we have of baptism also gets its roots here, with people being immersed in the Jordan river as a symbol of their repentance and being forgiven of their sins. I know that some churches practice simply sprinkling with water instead, and while their heart is in the right place it doesn't evoke the same idea of being completely washed clean and becoming a new creation.

Finally, we have the public revealing of Jesus and His true nature as the Son of God. This is one of many events in Jesus' earthly ministry that would have been pretty amazing to see! Ah, what I wouldn't give for a time machine...