The Daily Bible

In today's passage we learn a little more about the ministry of John the Baptist.  He baptizes with water, but how does this differ from what we experience in the sacrament of baptism?

In today's passage John the Baptist continues his string language for the religious leaders.  He tells them not to presume there righteousness based on being a child of Abraham.  Very important words that are also for us today.

In today's passage we read about a spicy interaction between John the Baptist and the Sadducees and Pharisees.  John tells them to repent and calls them snakes because they teach one thing and do another.

People are coming in droves to be baptized by John the Baptist and in doing so are confessing their sins.  The Jordan river holds a very special meaning and symbolizes the deliverance of God.

Today's passage brings with it a quotation from Isaiah 40:3.  John the Baptists is a pivotal figure in the Gospels and all four align his ministry with this prophecy.

In today's passage we are introduced to John the Baptist who has a very in your face message.  Repent!  Jesus will come again.

Today we finish up Matthew Chapter two with another angel coming to St. Joseph in a dream.  He is told to avoid the new ruler Archelaus and to go to the district of Galilee.  

In today's passage we read about an angel appearing to Joseph yet again.  Herod is dead, and he is told to take the Holy Family back to Israel.

In today's passage Matthew gives us a citation of Jeremiah 31:15.  The city of Ramah is mentioned, and this was a place of sorrow and trail from a historical perspective.  Here Matthew is calling Bethlehem the new Ramah because of what has happened to the holy innocents.