be honest with God (Matthew Chapter 3 Bible Study)
Hey everyone, welcome to another blog post! Today, we’re diving into Matthew Chapter 3 for our Bible study. My name is Ekene, and my goal with these studies is to grow closer to God while building a community of believers who seek to strengthen their faith together. If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Now, let’s get into today’s study!
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Matthew 3 introduces us to John the Baptist, a key figure who prepared the way for Jesus. He preached in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance:
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2)
This verse is powerful because it highlights the importance of repentance in our walk with God. To have a genuine relationship with Him, we must be honest in our prayers. Too often, we put on a front, pretending everything is fine when, in reality, we need God’s help. Just as a best friend can’t help you unless you open up, God wants us to come to Him with our struggles so He can guide and strengthen us.
True Repentance vs. Going Through the Motions
John the Baptist didn’t hesitate to call out the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him for baptism, saying:
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:7–8)
This passage is a reminder that being a Christian is not just about outward appearances — attending church, praying before meals, or going through religious motions. True faith requires a transformed heart. Many people live one way Monday through Saturday and act differently on Sunday, but real faith should be reflected in our daily lives.
Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell recently preached about this, emphasizing that people judge Christianity based on how Christians live, not just what we say. If we want to lead others to Christ, our lives must reflect His teachings.
The Importance of Humility: The Baptism of Jesus
Later in the chapter, Jesus comes to John to be baptized. John is hesitant, saying:
“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14)
Jesus responds:
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)
Even though Jesus was sinless, He chose to be baptized as an example for us. This act of humility teaches us that no one is above doing what is right. Whether in faith, work, or family, true leadership comes from leading by example. Just as parents model faith for their children, our actions should align with the values we preach.
Living a Life That Reflects Christ
One of my personal takeaways from this chapter is that we must strive to live in a way that naturally reflects our faith. When people hear that we are Christians, it should make sense based on how we treat others and how we conduct ourselves.
Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking that our religious practices make us better than others. However, true faith is about repentance, transformation, and living in a way that draws others toward God — not pushing them away.
Final Thoughts
Matthew Chapter 3 is a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, authenticity, and humility in our walk with God. If we want to grow spiritually, we must not only confess our sins but also strive to live a life that reflects Christ’s love and teachings.
What are your thoughts on this chapter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you enjoy content like this, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. I’m excited to continue this journey with you all in our next study on Matthew Chapter 4.
God bless!
