Saturday's Scripture Story
John the Baptist’s Ministry
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”[a]
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Footnotes
[a] Matthew 3:3 Isaiah 40:3
[b] Matthew 3:11 Or in
[c] Matthew 3:11 Or in
Pondering Point
A note about Stories: Telling Bible stories (storying) is one of the simplest ways to share God's Word -- and we can all tell stories. Most people remember stories better than mere details, both in terms of speaking and listening. AND storying does not require one to remember all the particulars to be effective. The Holy Spirit is quite capable of using us and His Word without direct quotes or perfect reciting of all details.
Try to learn the story each week, committing it to memory for later use. Consider sharing the story with others. That enables God’s word to continue its work on You and others. It also cements the story in your mind – and in your heart. As Psalm 119:11 says: I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.
Prayer
Ask God that His Word will take root in your heart and mind, being ready to be used by the Holy Spirit to disciple you and, when asked, be a voice to others.