In chapter 1, Jesus’ kingship is shown by the royal line of David and virgin birth. In Chapter 2, His kingship is shown by the homage of the magi. Now in chapter 3, it is shown by the herald of the king.
《马太福音》第一章叙述了大卫的皇室家谱以及耶稣由童女诞生，这证明了耶稣作王的凭据。在第二章中，博士们对耶稣的崇拜更加强了这一点。来到第三章，王者的先锋向我们传达了同样的信息。
- The Messenger 耶稣的先锋 (3:1)
In ancient times the job of a herald is to precede the arrival of the monarch, to announce his coming and to prepare for his safe travel. In Jesus’ case this man was John the Baptist.
古时，先锋会在君王驾临之前向大众宣告这事，并确他的路程是安全的。基督耶稣的先锋就是施洗约翰。
- The Message (3:2-4)
To prepare the people to receive their King, John preached the message of repentance. The Greek word for “repent” means more than regret or sorrow. It means to turn around, 180 degree change of direction. It does not denote any change but a change from the wrong to the right; from sin and to God.
为了预备犹太人迎接他们的王，施洗约翰传讲了悔改的信息。“悔改”的希腊文原意不仅是后悔或哀伤，更包含了180度的转变。这方向的改变是由邪归正，即脱离罪恶，归向基督。
- The Ministry 先锋的信息 (3:5-6)
The immediate effect of John’s preaching was dramatic. People were coming from the city (Jerusalem), from outside the city (Judea) and all around the Jordan River. In other words all over southern Palestine, including both sides of the Jordan River were coming to him to confess their sins. John’s baptism symbolizes repentance of sins and it was different from water baptism commanded by the Lord which means identification with Jesus Christ.
约翰传的道立马见效：耶路撒冷城内、城外（犹太），并约旦河一带的人都蜂拥而至。换言之，全巴勒斯坦的南部，包括约旦河两岸的人，都前来承认自己的罪。约翰的洗是悔改的施洗，与主所命借着水的洗礼有别。信徒今日的洗，乃是他与耶稣基督同死、同活的象征。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- The central message John the Baptist preached is repentance from sins. Look around the churches today, what is the central message they preach? Are they preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ or are they preaching another gospel? Please pray for the genuine preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our churches today.
施洗约翰讲道的焦点是叫人从罪中悔改。今日，我们在教会中所听见的信息又是什么？他们是否在传耶稣基督的福音还是另一个福音呢？请为我们的众教会祷告，使我们勇敢地传扬主耶稣真实的福音。
- The word “repent” means about turn. It means we turn away from our way and turn toward God. Is there anything in your lives you need to turn away from? Let’s pray that God will search us, try us and lead us in His way (Ps. 139:23-24).
“悔改”之意就是回转，即背弃自我，转向基督。你是否有任何罪需要离弃的罪？祈求神鉴察我们，试炼我们，并引导我们走永生的道路（诗139:23-24）。
- When the people heard the word of the Lord, they repented immediately. What about us? Let’s pray that we have a sensitive heart that we may hear and respond to the Lord swiftly.
当众人听见福音时，他们立即悔改；我们是否也如此？让我们求神使我们有一颗对罪敏感觉悟的心，能速速回转，离开罪恶，归向神。
