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Matthew 3 · Grade 5

Preparing the Way

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Read and Think

After about thirty years of silence about Jesus' life, Matthew introduces John the Baptist. His message is short and urgent: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Matthew connects him to Isaiah's prophecy of a voice in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord. Even John's clothing recalls the prophet Elijah.

Crowds came, confessing their sins and being baptized. But when Pharisees and Sadducees came, John spoke sharply. Family heritage could not save them; God could raise up children for Abraham from stones. True repentance produces fruit. John baptized with water, but the coming One would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and would separate wheat from chaff.

Jesus had no sin to confess, yet He was baptized, identifying with sinners and fulfilling all righteousness. Then heaven opened. The Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Before Jesus preached one sermon or did one miracle, the Father announced His love and approval.

Show What You Know

  1. How does Matthew connect John the Baptist to the Old Testament?

  2. Why did John warn the Pharisees and Sadducees?

  3. Contrast John's baptism with the baptism of the One coming after him.

  4. Why was Jesus baptized if He had no sin?

  5. What is significant about the Father's words before Jesus' ministry began?

Crossword

524163

Across

  1. John ate locusts and wild ____.
  2. God's Spirit came down like a ____.
  3. To turn away from sin and turn to God.
  4. John said he was not worthy to carry Jesus' ____.

Down

  1. Where John lived.
  2. The river where John baptized people.

Think About It

  1. The Father announced His love for Jesus before Jesus did any miracle. How does God's love for His children come before what we do?

  2. What would fruit worthy of repentance look like in your own life?

Memory Verse

“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”

Matthew 3:2 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • John pointed people to Jesus instead of himself. How can you point others to Jesus?
  • How can your actions show a changed heart?
  • What is one specific way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.