THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS COME NEAR
Matthew 3:1-17
Key Verse 3:2 “…and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
1. What does it mean to repent and why is it necessary to repent? (2,8; cf. Ezekiel 33:11) What does it mean that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near? (2)
2. In what way did John the Baptist fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah? (3; cf. Isaiah 40:3) How did the people respond to John’s message? (5-6)
3. How did John rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees? (7-10) Why weren’t the Pharisees and Sadducees baptized by John? (cf. Luke 7:29-30)
4. What is the significance of Jesus’ baptizing with the Holy Spirit? (11; cf. Ezekiel 36:26-27) How does it differ from John’s baptism?
5. Why did Jesus insist on being baptized by John? (15; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21) In what way did God give approval to Jesus? (17)