Matthew 3:1-12
This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on December 8, 2013.
This scene out of the gospel of Matthew continues the theme of fulfillment. Jesus came to fulfill the plan of God. John came before Jesus to fulfill the role of royal herald. When royalty traveled to any part of the expansive kingdom heralds were sent before them announcing their coming and preparing the people for the royal visitation. It was imperative that the people understood their position in relation to the coming King. The herald not only announced the coming of the king, but also modeled the appropriate demeanor and attitude when hosting the king. Not only did John fulfill the prophecy found in Isaiah 40:3, but he also spoke of the one who was coming in a way that exalted the king, and diminished the herald (Matthew 3:11; John 3:30).
In this section of Scripture, Matthew introduced John and his preaching (Matthew 3:1-6), portrayed the confrontation between John and the Jewish religious leadership (Matthew 3:7-10), and highlighted the difference between the ministry of John and Jesus (Matthew 3:11-12). The entire scene seemed to have two basic functions: to introduce the enemies of Jesus (the Pharisees and Sadducees); and, explain the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist.