St. Matthew introduces John the Baptist, moving the account of Jesus’ life forward to the cusp of His preaching ministry. John’s appearance in the wilderness fulfills God’s promise of the forerunner of the Christ, foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John’s clothing marks him as the Elijah who is to come, and his preaching and baptizing of repentant sinners prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry. John meets the unrepentant Pharisees and Sadducees with a strong warning that they must not place their trust in their heritage or self-righteousness. The Lord wants true repentance and faith, and the matter is urgent, for the Christ is coming with judgment quickly after John.

Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 3:1-12.

To learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran, visit htlcwalnut.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]