The Belt of Truth: Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist is brought into the narrative as “these days” continue to be fulfilled. 

John comes to prepare people for God’s reign on earth that is now dawning. For John to comes means that Israel has gone astray. But now God is coming through on his promises. 

Crowds come out to him and they confess their sins, which Jesus is coming to take away, as they await the fullness of the promise. 

John rebukes the religious leaders who are perhaps coming out of pretense and not faith. God is able to make children for Abraham out of rocks, so they should not presume on their status. This unbelief will make them the principle characters of the human resistance against Christ. 

John then notes the coming of the last day and the work that the Christ will do to Baptize his people with the Holy Spirit. 

The table is now set and we await what God will do.