V1-4    John bursts onto the scene, a bright and shining star, making a tremendous impact upon the people. Attention shifts here from Joseph to John; there are around 25 years since the end of chapter 2. Strikingly, Johns’ own coming is also prophesied in Is 40.3. John is no well-dressed king, see 11.8.

V5-6    John’s message, although uncompromising, is popular. Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan river, come out to hear him. Many, repenting of their sins, are baptised.

V7-10 The uncompromising message; he addresses the Pharisees and Sadducees as “brood of vipers,” and he would doubtless receive their criticism in return. Their dependence is on their ancestry, “We have Abraham as our father,” forgetting the need to repent, and produce fruit in accordance with that repentance.

            Whether Jew or not, there is wrath to come; the Jews in particular, are living on the edge of terrible times, with the axe already at the root of their tree. God does not ‘need’ the sons of Abraham, and He is able to raise up stones, Luke 19.40.

V11     John’s ministry, to prepare the people for the Saviour to come, one “more powerful than I.”

V12     Jesus comes to His people, His threshing floor, to save (1.21) and to shepherd (2.6). The chaff, or the tree that does not bear good fruit, will be burned; judgment begins at the house of God, 1 Pet 4.17.

V13-17            Jesus’ public appearance, and approval by the Father. John comes to Jesus, “I need to be baptised by you,” indicating his own humility; no self-confidence and self-sufficiency. Jesus, having no need of repentance, identifies with His people. Here too is the Father’s approval, and the Holy Spirit’s blessing.

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