October 4

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 (biblegateway.com)

The Forerunner and the Baptism

After Jesus’ early life and growth in wisdom, the stage is set for the beginning of His public ministry.

Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3 introduce John the Baptist, the prophet sent to prepare Israel for the coming of the Lord. John’s bold call to repentance and baptism challenges the people to turn from sin and live in obedience to God. These chapters also recount Jesus’ baptism, where heaven opens, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God affirms Jesus as His beloved Son. This pivotal moment marks the public inauguration of Jesus’ ministry and underscores His identity as the Messiah sent to fulfill God’s promises.

Matthew 3 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way for the Messiah

After the account of Jesus’ birth, the visit of the Magi, and the family’s return from Egypt to settle in Nazareth, the Gospel narrative of Matthew makes a major leap forward. Nearly thirty years pass as Jesus grows from child to man, living in obscurity in Galilee. Matthew 3 opens with the voice of John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness, announcing that the long-awaited kingdom of heaven is at hand. The story moves from Jesus’ hidden preparation to the public stage of His ministry, beginning with baptism and the heralding of His mission.

In the wilderness of Judea, John the Baptist appeared, preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 1–2). His ministry fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of a voice preparing the way of the Lord (v. 3; Isaiah 40:3). All four Gospels connect John the Baptist with Isaiah’s prophecy of “a voice crying in the wilderness” (Mark 1:2–3; Luke 3:4–6; John 1:23). In its original context, Isaiah’s words referred to workers clearing a highway in the desert for the Lord’s people to return from Babylonian exile in 537 B.C. In a similar way, John was God’s messenger in the wilderness, preparing the way for the coming of the Lord and His kingdom by calling people to return to Him through repentance.

John’s message carried two essential parts. First, the soteriological call (call to salvation): repentance was required for entrance into the kingdom. This was a new and challenging idea for many Jews, who believed that being descendants of Abraham automatically guaranteed them a place in the Messiah’s kingdom. John made it clear that outward heritage was not enough; what God desired was a genuine change of heart and mind (metanoia), a turning away from sin and a turning toward obedience to Him. True repentance prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah and demonstrated readiness to receive His rule.

Second, the eschatological announcement (announcement of the kingdom): “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John declared that God’s divine rule was about to break into human history in a new and powerful way. The reign of heaven was drawing near through the person of the Messiah, who would bring God’s authority and redemption to earth. John’s preaching called people not only to personal repentance but also to recognize that the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promises was unfolding before their eyes.

Crowds from Jerusalem, Judea, and the surrounding regions came to John, confessing their sins and being baptized as a sign of repentance, cleansing, and readiness for the coming Messiah (v. 5–6). Yet not everyone came in faith. When the religious leaders, the Pharisees and Sadducees, arrived to observe him, John boldly confronted their hypocrisy (v. 7). They assumed that being physical descendants of Abraham automatically qualified them for the Messiah’s kingdom. But John warned them not to rely on their heritage for salvation, declaring that true repentance must produce fruit consistent with a changed heart (v. 8–9).

This challenge exposed the emptiness of outward religion and emphasized that God desires genuine transformation of the heart. To “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” means that God looks beyond our words and religious activities to see whether our conduct reflects true obedience. He weighs our claims of faith against the reality of our actions. Do your actions match your words?

John emphasized that every person is accountable before God, warning of the coming judgment (v. 10). Just as a fruit tree is expected to bear fruit, God expects evidence of genuine repentance. Mere outward profession without change is not sufficient; God looks for hearts and lives aligned with His will.

He also contrasted his baptism with water to the far greater work of the Messiah, declaring that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (v. 11). John’s baptism symbolized repentance and a desire to live according to God’s ways, but true transformation comes only through the Spirit. Jesus’ baptism would bring the Spirit to empower believers and would also bring purifying judgment on those who refuse to repent.

The image of “fire” points both to refining and to judgment. For believers, the Spirit purifies and empowers; for those who reject Christ, fire symbolizes God’s judgment. John expanded this truth with the picture of winnowing (v. 12). A farmer’s winnowing fork separates wheat from chaff: the useful grain is kept, the worthless husks are discarded and burned. Likewise, God will separate the righteous from the wicked. Those who repent and believe will be gathered into His kingdom, while the unrepentant face His consuming judgment.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John (v. 13). In doing so, He demonstrated humility, identifying with God’s repentant people even though He was without sin. John hesitated, aware of his own need for Jesus’ baptism, but Jesus insisted it must be done “to fulfill all righteousness” (v. 14–15).

To “fulfill all righteousness” means to advance God’s saving plan. In His baptism, Jesus (1) confessed sin on behalf of the nation, as leaders like Moses, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel had done; (2) affirmed John’s ministry as from God; (3) inaugurated His public ministry; and (4) aligned Himself with the humble and penitent rather than the self-righteous. Though sinless, Jesus submitted to baptism in perfect obedience to the Father, and God confirmed His approval through this act.

As He came up from the water, the heavens were opened, the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (v. 16–17). Here, the Son obeys, the Spirit anoints, and the Father affirms, revealing the Triune God in perfect unity at the beginning of Christ’s mission.

John the Baptist’s ministry reminds us that true preparation for God’s work begins in the heart. His call to repentance is not merely about outward behavior but about a deep turning away from anything that hinders our relationship with God. Baptism with water serves as a visible sign of an inward reality, acknowledging our sin, humbling ourselves, and expressing our desire to live under God’s authority.

Matthew 3 also points us to the greater baptism to come: Jesus’ baptism by the Spirit, which inaugurates His public ministry and models obedience, humility, and devotion to the Father. Here we see the intersection of human repentance and divine initiative: God meets our brokenness with grace, and His Spirit empowers us for the work He has prepared.

For us today, the challenge is clear: Are we willing to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and let God’s Word penetrate the places we often hide from Him? Are we prepared to step into the life He offers, empowered by the Spirit, living not by our own strength but in submission to God’s will? Like the crowds who came to John, we are called to listen, respond, and follow, letting our repentance lead to transformation and our transformation bear witness to the coming kingdom.

God’s promise is sure: He honors the humble, fills the willing, and empowers those who surrender fully to His plan. The question is whether we will respond today with the same openness and faith that John urged in others..

The Gospel of Mark - Context

Mark, also known as John Mark, was a close associate of the apostle Peter, and church tradition affirms that his Gospel reflects Peter’s eyewitness testimony. Mark’s account is concise and action-oriented, highlighting Jesus as the suffering Servant and powerful Son of God. The fast-paced narrative emphasizes what Jesus did more than what He said, repeatedly using the word “immediately” to move the story forward.

Mark 1 - The Beginning of the Gospel and the Ministry of Jesus

Mark’s account of John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism describes the same events as Matthew 3, but with a different emphasis and perspective. From the outset, Mark declares, “The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (v. 1). This introduction immediately situates the reader in the context of God’s redemptive plan, emphasizing that Jesus’ life and ministry fulfill the promises of God spoken through the prophets.

Like Matthew, Mark identifies the role of John the Baptist as the one preparing the way, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the Lord’s path (v. 2–3). John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v. 4), calling the people to a life of genuine turning from sin and aligning themselves with God’s will. His message drew crowds from Jerusalem, Judea, and the surrounding region, showing the deep spiritual hunger for God’s intervention in their lives (v. 5).

Jesus was then baptized by John in the Jordan River (v. 9). As He emerged from the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and God’s voice declared, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (v. 10–11). This moment confirms Jesus’ divine identity, inaugurates His public ministry, and provides a model for obedience and submission to God’s plan.

The Holy Spirit descended and a voice from heaven declared the Father’s approval. In this moment, we see the unity and cooperation of the Trinity: God the Father, who speaks; God the Son, who is baptized; and God the Holy Spirit, who descends to empower. This divine confirmation publicly affirmed Jesus as the promised Messiah and revealed the triune nature of God at work in redemption.

The dove and the heavenly voice were visible signs of divine approval, but more than mere symbols, they pointed to the reality of who Jesus is. Many people still seek outward proofs or miraculous signs before believing. Yet the greatest “sign” of all is the inward transformation that comes through faith in Christ. God’s message changes the heart: giving light to the confused, joy to the downcast, and companionship to the lonely. Rather than waiting for something spectacular to confirm our faith, we are called to seek the evidence of God’s presence in a renewed and obedient life.

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He faced temptation by Satan for forty days (v. 12–13). Mark’s use of the word “immediately” (Gk. euthys) conveys urgency and often introduces a surprising turn of events. The forty-day period recalls significant Old Testament parallels, including Moses on Sinai (Ex. 34:28), Elijah’s journey (1 Kings 19:8), and Israel’s confrontation with Goliath (1 Sam. 17:16), emphasizing preparation and testing for God’s mission.

Jesus’ temptation involved both divine testing and Satanic enticement. The Greek term peirazō denotes putting someone to the test, either to reveal character or to entice into sin. Here, the Spirit led Jesus to be tested, demonstrating His qualification for the messianic mission, while Satan sought to divert Him from God’s will. That Jesus was truly tempted attests to His full humanity.

The tempter, Satan, the adversary, opposes God’s purposes, tempts humanity to sin, and seeks to accuse and destroy. Jesus confronted Satan directly in the wilderness, beginning His victory over evil that would continue throughout His ministry and culminate at the Cross. Mark notes the presence of wild animals, highlighting the desert as a hostile and dangerous place, a traditional symbol of desolation and divine testing (v. 13).

In contrast, God’s protecting care was present: angels attended to Jesus throughout this period (lit., “were serving”), providing support and assurance of God’s presence. Mark does not detail the specific temptations or the climactic confrontation, as his focus is on the significance of the event, the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry, and His initial authority over Satan. This encounter established the pattern for His ongoing mission against evil.

For believers, this account reminds us that temptation itself is not sin; it is our response that reveals the heart. Like Jesus, we are often tested in seasons of weakness, loneliness, or transition. Yet those moments are also opportunities for faith to be proven genuine. The same Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness now empowers us to stand firm, using God’s Word as our defense and dependence on the Father as our strength. Temptation, when met with obedience, deepens our trust and shapes our character. Through Jesus’ victory, we are assured that no trial is beyond His understanding and no testing beyond His grace. When we fix our eyes on Him, even the wilderness becomes a place of growth, preparation, and renewed faith.

Jesus then began His Galilean ministry, proclaiming the message, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (v. 14–15). This proclamation echoes John’s call to repentance but expands it to the kingdom of God, emphasizing both immediate response and active trust in Christ. The early disciples, including Simon, Andrew, James, and John, responded to His call, leaving their nets and families to follow Him (v. 16–20). Their obedience illustrates the radical commitment required to participate in God’s kingdom and serves as an example of faith that prioritizes God’s calling above all else.

Mark also highlights Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry, demonstrating His authority over both spiritual and physical realms. He taught in synagogues with authority that astonished the people (v. 21–22), cast out an unclean spirit (v. 23–28), and healed many who were sick or demon-possessed (v. 29–34). These actions reveal His divine power and compassion, showing that the kingdom of God brings restoration, freedom, and hope.

Jesus continued preaching throughout Galilee, even withdrawing at times to pray (v. 35–39). His ministry was marked by both public proclamation and intimate dependence on the Father. People from all around sought Him, showing the impact of His authority and the urgency of His message (v. 37–38).

The chapter concludes with an encounter of a man with leprosy (v. 40). “Leprosy” encompassed various serious skin diseases, including progressive disfigurements, and carried profound social, religious, and psychological burdens (Lev. 13–14). Lepers were considered ritually unclean and were excluded from society, making this man’s approach both courageous and desperate. Convinced that Jesus could heal him, he humbly begged, saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean,” demonstrating both faith and reverence.

Moved by deep compassion, Jesus touched the man, defying rabbinic regulations on ritual purity, and declared, “I am willing; be clean” (v. 41–42). His touch and authoritative pronouncement effected immediate, complete, and visible healing, demonstrating His power over disease and His authority to bring restoration beyond the Mosaic Law. Jesus then gave specific instructions: first, not to tell anyone of the healing (v. 43), which reflects His concern to avoid misunderstandings about His mission and the timing of His messianic revelation. Second, He instructed the man to present himself to the priest and offer the required sacrifices (Lev. 14:2–31) “as a testimony to them” (v. 44). Despite these instructions, the man disobeyed the silence command and freely proclaimed his healing (v. 45). Consequently, large crowds began following Jesus everywhere, disrupting His ministry and causing Him to retreat to remote places to continue His work.

Mark 1 shows us Jesus as the obedient Son and the authoritative Servant. From His baptism to His temptation, from His preaching to His healing, every moment reveals His submission to the Father’s will and His power over sin and evil. The kingdom of God has drawn near because the King Himself has come.

Jesus’ authority is marked by compassion. He calls ordinary people to follow Him, cleanses the unclean, and restores the broken. His touch brings both physical healing and spiritual renewal, showing that God’s kingdom is about more than words; it transforms lives.

For us, Mark 1 is both an invitation and a challenge. Like the first disciples, we are called to follow Jesus immediately and wholeheartedly. Like the healed and forgiven, we are called to serve. God still desires obedience rooted in love and hearts willing to be made new. The message is simple yet searching: The King has come, will we follow where He leads?

Luke 3 - The Ministry of John the Baptist and the Preparation for Christ

Luke 3 opens by situating John the Baptist’s ministry within a precise historical framework, naming the rulers of the time, Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, and Lysanias, and the high priests Annas and Caiaphas (v. 1–2). This careful dating highlights that the events of John’s ministry and Jesus’ coming are anchored in real history, showing God’s sovereign control over both nations and individuals. The Spirit of God also directs John’s ministry, emphasizing that God’s plan unfolds according to His timing and purpose.

After introducing the historical context, Luke turns our attention to the heart of John’s message: a call to repentance that reaches beyond words to transformed living (v. 3-9). While Luke does not repeat every detail from Matthew and Mark, he emphasizes the moral and ethical dimension of repentance. John’s preaching calls for concrete actions: sharing with those in need, being honest, and refraining from extortion or oppression (v. 10–14). Luke underscores that repentance is not only personal but also communal, preparing a remnant of God’s people to welcome the Messiah.

Verses 15–22 parallel the baptism of Jesus, affirming His identity as the Son of God through the visible descent of the Holy Spirit. Luke’s account emphasizes historical context and prayer, setting it apart from the other Gospels. In verses 21–22, prayer is specifically highlighted: “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened.” By noting that Jesus was praying at this moment, Luke emphasizes His dependence on the Father and models prayer as central to spiritual preparation and communion with God. The Spirit’s descent “in bodily form like a dove” occurs in the context of this prayer, linking divine affirmation directly to an act of intimate communication with God. Luke’s focus illustrates how prayer and obedient action are intertwined, providing the context for God’s presence and affirmation to be revealed.

Luke concludes his introduction to Jesus’ ministry with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage all the way back to Adam (v. 23–28). Unlike Matthew, who emphasizes Jesus’ royal descent through David and Abraham to highlight His messianic fulfillment, Luke traces Jesus’ ancestry through a more universal lens, connecting Him not only to Israel but to all humanity. This emphasizes the eschatological scope of the Messiah’s mission: Jesus comes as the Savior of all people, not just the Jewish nation. The genealogy also underscores God’s covenant faithfulness across generations, showing that the promises to Abraham, David, and all God’s people find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. These verses prepare readers to see Jesus’ ministry as both deeply rooted in Israel’s history and inclusive in its scope, setting the stage for the unfolding of God’s kingdom.

Across Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John the Baptist serves as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, fulfilling prophecy, calling for repentance, and preparing the way for the Messiah. Matthew highlights prophetic fulfillment and the coming kingdom, Mark emphasizes immediacy and confrontation with evil, and Luke underscores historical context and ethical repentance. Together, these accounts prepare readers to encounter Jesus’ ministry, see the inauguration of God’s kingdom on earth, and understand the call to both inward transformation and outward obedience in anticipation of the Messiah’s reign.