NIV, Faithlife Study Bible | Page 169

near .” 3 This is he who was spo ken of through the proph et Isa iah :

“ A voice of one calling in the wilderness , ‘ Prepare the way for the Lord , make straight paths for him .’ ” a

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John ’ s clothes were made of cam el ’ s hair , and he had a leath er belt around his waist . His food a

3 Isaiah 40:3

MattheW 3:7 | 1533

was lo custs and wild hon ey . 5 Peo ple went out to him from Je ru sa lem and all Ju dea and the whole re gion of the Jor dan . 6 Con fess ing their sins , they were bap tized by him in the Jor dan Riv er .

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But when he saw many of the Phar i sees and Sad du cees com ing to where he was bap tiz ing , he had the Hebrew word netser (“ branch ”) in mind from Isa 11:1 , where it is used to describe a Messianic figure descended from Jesse , the father of David .

3:1 – 12 Matthew introduces the life and preaching of John the Baptist . John served as a forerunner to Jesus , proclaiming the advent of the kingdom and the arrival of the Messiah . See the event line “ Jesus ’ Early Life and Ministry ” on p . 1530 .

3:1 In those days This phrase serves to anchor Matthew ’ s narrative in Scripture . The OT prophets often use this phrase to describe the time of fulfilled prophecy . John the Baptist A prophet who is both a fulfillment of OT prophecies and a model of the OT prophets themselves ( see Mt 11:13 – 14 ; 16:14 ; 17:10 – 13 ; Mal 4:5 ). See note on Jn 1:6 . the wilderness of Judea Robbers , displaced peasants and religious ascetics often sought refuge in the wilderness . John ’ s way of life resembles that of wilderness ascetics . Concerned about self-denial , spiritual discipline and devotion to the law , ascetic men and women went to the wilderness in order to distance themselves from the evils of society ( compare note on Mk 1:4 ). According to Josephus ( a first-century Jewish historian ), Herod Antipas thought that John might become a political threat because of John ’ s many followers . The socioeconomic situation of Jesus ’ day was bleak . Consequently , there were reprisals by the peasant class against the wealthy elite and aristocracy . Political leaders considered fringe movements — ​of which John was considered to have been a part — ​with suspicion . 3:2 Repent A decision to turn away from sin and toward God ’ s ways . kingdom of heaven Synonymous with

“ kingdom of God .” Both expressions refer to the time when God ’ s rule would be enacted on earth as it is in heaven . Biblical writers often used “ heaven ” as a way of referring to God and his abode without having to use the divine name ( Yahweh ). See note on Mk 1:15 . 3:3 of one calling in the wilderness Matthew cites Isa 40:3 from the Septuagint ( the Greek translation of the OT ). Prepare the way for the Lord In Isa 40:3 , this prophecy refers to the Lord ’ s restoration of his people to their land following the exile . Later , it became part of Messianic expectations . Both uses involve restoration and reconciliation . 3:4 clothes were made of camel ’ s hair Matthew has already shown how John fulfills Isa 40:3 ; this description portrays John as the new Elijah ( compare 2Ki 1:8 ). Throughout his Gospel , Matthew draws parallels between the dress , diet and ministries of John and Elijah ( compare Mt 17:9 – 13 ; Jn 1:21 and note ). Both men were bold , prophetic figures whose calling ran counter to religious norms . His food was locusts and wild honey Locusts were common food in the Middle East . Leviticus 11:20 – 23 identifies four varieties that are clean and good to eat . 3:6 they were baptized Likely derived from the Jewish custom of ritual washings . Jewish baptisms were intended to signify spiritual cleansing ; John ’ s baptisms are depicted as preparations for the coming of the Messiah . Jordan River The Jordan was significant because it served as the border that Israel crossed to enter the promised land ( e . g ., Dt 9:1 ). It does not seem to have been important for ritual washings ( except in the case of Naaman ; 2Ki 5:10,12 ). 3:7 Pharisees and Sadducees These groups were opposed to each other but appear united in their opposition