Matthew 3 introduces John the Baptizer, the call to repentance, and the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River. These questions are for small groups, Sunday classes, and personal study. Each set can be used in order, and the leader’s notes give a starting point for discussion without requiring a separate summary of the chapter.
Matthew 3 at a Glance
The chapter opens in the wilderness of Judea, where John preaches repentance and people from Jerusalem and the surrounding region come to be baptized. John confronts Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that heritage alone will not save them and that real fruit must follow. He then points to one who is coming after him, mightier than he is.
The focus shifts to Jesus, who comes from Galilee to be baptized. John hesitates, and Jesus insists on the baptism to fulfill all righteousness. As Jesus comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice declares his identity and God’s pleasure in him.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first to establish what the text actually says before anyone offers interpretation. Ask group members to point to the words in the chapter, and resist explaining meaning until the details are clear. Read the passage aloud once before beginning.
Matthew 3:2
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
(WEB)
Read this verse early in the session because it states John’s central call. Ask the group to repeat the word “repent” and to consider how it differs from simply feeling guilty.
Matthew 3:8-9
8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! 9 Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
(WEB)
These verses carry John’s warning about fruit and heritage. Reading them aloud helps the group hear the challenge directly before discussing it.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
This verse introduces the one who is coming after John. Reading it slowly lets the group feel the contrast between water baptism and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:15
But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
(WEB)
Jesus’s words about fulfilling all righteousness are central to understanding the baptism. Read it as the pivot point of the chapter before the heavens open.
Matthew 3:16-17
16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(WEB)
End the reading with these verses, since they reveal the Spirit and the Father’s voice. Let the room be quiet afterward so the group can take in the scene.
Memory Verse for Matthew 3
Matthew 3:17
Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(WEB)
This verse is a short and lasting statement of God’s love for Jesus, and it reminds believers that God delights in his Son. Many groups find it helpful to repeat it together at the close of the session.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you having read about John calling people to repentance and about your Son stepping into the waters of baptism. Search our hearts as you searched the hearts of those who came to the Jordan. Where we have relied on our heritage, our routines, or our reputation, turn our trust back to you. Give us the courage to bear fruit that shows a real change of heart. Help us rest in the love you spoke over Jesus, knowing that our worth rests in your grace. Amen.
