1. Matthew 3 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.’”

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 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 the Holy Spirit and fire.

5. Even God Plans and Prepares Matthew 1-4:22 Planning Many of us don’t like it Some of us hope for the best We cross our fingers We hope it all works out -- somehow God did no such thing when He sent Jesus Christ

6. There was a plan Accompanied by signs Connected to prophecies Followed the traditions and culture of that time and place

7. Matthew 1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:

8. The plan begins with a lineage It tells us… There was a long, well-thought-out plan

9. The plan included signs Visitors from afar Dreams with guidance and direction

10. Matthew 2 …Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

11. Matthew 2 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. 22 …Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.

12. The plan also included fulfilled prophecies Some were joyful Others were sad and painful

13. Matthew 1 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”— which means, “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14

14. Matthew 2 13 …“Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Hosea 11:1

15. Matthew 2 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15

16. Matthew 3 2 …“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” Isaiah 40:3

17. The plan followed the commonly acceptable rules of the time He had to meet certain requirements Complete certain tasks Acquire certain life experiences And Hebrew culture was full of rules tasks and expectations

18. Matthew 1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, David and Solomon, Joseph and Jesus, who is called Christ.

19. Matthew 3 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

20. Matthew 4 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down.

21. Matthew 4 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

22. Why was this important to the Jews? God demonstrates love that is thoughtful Reveals Jesus Christ though signs that can be discerned Opened their eyes to fulfilled prophecies God works within a framework that is acceptable and understandable

23. Why is this important for us? Allows us to recognize how much God loves us God’s signs are his way to connect with us, guide us and give us life His prophecies help us understand God’s character as One who keeps His word God is so eager to connect with us -- working within our cultural framework

24. One last thought We are also called to be planners How will our kids know about Christ? Our neighbors? Our friends? Reaching out to the world is of primary importance to God

25. If we are created in God’s image… If God reached out to us… Created to love and care… Created to look towards the future… Created to share God’s love… Then we too are to plan how to reach out