The Gospel Story 9: Matthew 3:1-17

Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River, and the return of God to his people, which ends the exile, is evident both in the opening of the heavens and in Jesus himself. Matthew re-tells the story of Israel in his narrative where Jesus takes the place of Israel e.g escaping persecution in Egypt (Passover), being tempted in the wilderness for 40 days (Israel’s wandering in the wilderness for 40 years). Thus Jesus completes the role of Israel in the world with obedience so that God’s plan to bless the peoples of the Earth is accomplished. But the day of the Lord’s coming also means judgment for God’s enemies, which is prophesied by John. The kingdom of God isn’t for the people that everyone expected, like the Pharisees and the Sadducees.