Matthew 3:1–12 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 3:1–12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 3In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, Verse 2"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Verse 3This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" Verse 4Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Verse 5Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, Verse 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Verse 7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Verse 8Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Verse 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Verse 10Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Verse 11"I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Verse 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Devotion
Whether we like to admit it or not, we are all people who long to belong. God created us for community, and throughout the Bible, we see stories of God’s people being drawn together or exiled from community. In today’s reading from Matthew, we see people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the Jordan River gathering to hear John the Baptist and receive baptism. Even the religious leaders—the Pharisees and Sadducees—were curious enough to witness what was happening at the river.
In our own faith tradition, Baptism and Holy Communion serve as two powerful ways we come together as a community of believers. Through the water of baptism, and through the bread and wine of communion, we are freely offered God’s grace, acceptance, and the assurance that we belong.
In Christ’s community, YOU are welcome and YOU belong.
Prayer
God of water and of bread and wine—you have given us the gifts of baptism and holy communion to remind us that we belong. We are part of the community of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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