The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Prepare the Way: Mt 3,1-12

We begin by reading through this first half of the chapter. Compare with and take note of how Matthew has edited and expanded Mark's account (Mark 1,1-8).

See how the description of the ministry of John the Baptist falls into two parts, note how each part is introduced.

John the Baptist: 3,1-6

Verse 1: consider the opening expression "In those days". What might be surprisng about it? Take a look at Exodus 2,11.

The wilderness or desert of Judea will be familiar to anyone who has travelled from Jerusalem to Jericho. Yet there is an important symbolism to the wilderness: Moses led his people into the wilderness where they spent many years. Look at Exodus 16,1-2 and Ex 19,1-8 as good samples of the significance of the wilderness.
The wilderness is also found in Isaiah 40,3 which Matthew quotes in verse 3. It is as well to look at the whole poem, Is 40,1-11.

John the Baptist is introduced quite abruptly. From these verses, deduce who John is (see 2 Kings 1,8), what was his message (Exodus 19,3-6), who came to him (compare verse 5 with 2,3) and what he did (for possible background, look at Psalm 51,7 or Ezekiel 36,25-27).

Also compare 3,2 with 4,17; but also note 4,23 for what Jesus brings but not John (see Is 40,9).

Now take a look at my response.

The Prophet: 3,7-12

This second part is a speech by John, a speech with a specific audience once he had seen the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Consider their significance as those to whom the speech is addressed. The Pharisees will appear frequently in the Gospel, look for example at 9,11 or 9,34. For both Pharisees and Sadducees, look at 22,23.34.
For "brood of vipers" see 12,34 & 23,33. Vipers will seek to escape from fire.

Verse 8 speaks of good fruit; see Jeremiah 17,8 or Hosea 9,16.

Descent from Abraham was an important topic for early Christians. See, for example, Jn 8,33.39. Note too Genesis 17,4. Raising up stones has its background in Is 51,1-2.

Matthew continues the image of the tree with the bad tree being thrown into the fire. See for example Is 66,24. In this Gospel, fire is a threat used a number of times by Jesus. For example: 7,19 (where Jesus is repeating John's words), 13,37-40; 25,41.

In verse 11, how does John compare himself with Jesus? Compare the baptism of this verse with 3,2, comparing that verse with Mk 1,4. What is the effect of Matthew's editing? For the Holy Spirit and fire see Zech 13,9.

Verse 12 tells of chaff and winnowing, images which can be found in Psalm 1 and also Is 41,16 and Jeremiah 15,7. Note the different use here.

Now take a look at my response.

We now continue our reading with the appearance of Jesus for his baptism, 3,13-17.

The Sunday Liturgy

This passage forms the Gospel for the second Sunday of Advent, cycle A.