1 Now in those days, John the Baptist arrived, preaching in the desert of Judea,
2 and saying: “Repent. For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.”
3 For this is the one who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, saying: “A voice crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths.”
4 Now the same John had a garment made from the hair of camels, and a leather belt around his waist. And his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan went out to him.
6 And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, acknowledging their sins.
7 Then, seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees arriving for his baptism, he said to them: “Progeny of vipers, who warned to you to flee from the approaching wrath?
8 Therefore, produce fruit worthy of repentance.
9 And do not choose to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God has the power to raise up sons to Abraham from these stones.
10 For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.
11 Indeed, I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who will come after me is more powerful than me. I am not worthy to carry his shoes. He will baptize you with the fire of the Holy Spirit.
12 His winnowing fan is in his hand. And he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. And he will gather his wheat into the barn. But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee, to John at the Jordan, in order to be baptized by him.
14 But John refused him, saying, “I ought to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”
15 And responding, Jesus said to him: “Permit this for now. For in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all justice.” Then he allowed him.
16 And Jesus, having been baptized, ascended from the water immediately, and behold, the heavens were opened to him. And he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him.
17 And behold, there was a voice from heaven, saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Versículos relacionados com Matthew, 3:
St. Matthew 3 presents the figure of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. The chapter describes his ministry in the desert, where he preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. John the Baptist is an example of humility and devotion to God, who called the people to repentance and faith. The following verses deal with topics related to this message of repentance and preparation for the arrival of Jesus:
Isaiah 40:3: "Voice of what cries out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord; straighten in the wilderness to our God." This verse is quoted in St. Matthew 3:3, when John the Baptist begins to preach in the desert. Isaiah's prophecy announces the arrival of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. John the Baptist fulfills this prophecy in announcing the coming of Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 18:30: "Therefore, I will judge you, to each one according to His ways, O house of Israel, say the Lord God. stumbling. " This verse highlights the importance of repentance and life change. John the Baptist preached the same message of conversion and repentance, calling the people to turn to God and abandon their sins.
Jeremiah 7:3-4: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, God of Israel: Amend your ways and your works, and I will make you dwell in this place. You do not trust false words, saying, Temple of the Lord, Temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord is this. " This verse warns the people against empty trust in religion, remembering that God seeks a real change of heart and attitude. John the Baptist preached the same message, calling people to actually repent and to bear fruit in good works.
Matthew 3:8: "I produced fruits worthy of repentance." In this verse, John the Baptist urges the people to produce fruits that show sincere repentance. He was not content with empty religious words or ceremonies, but sought a real change of life in people's hearts.
Luke 3:16: "He [Jesus] shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." This verse refers to Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, who would baptize believers in his name. John the Baptist, in preparing the way to Jesus, anticipated this promise and announced that baptism with the Holy Spirit would be one of the marks of the coming of the Messiah.
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