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Matthew

Tells the story of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection, emphasizing fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and connecting Him as the Messiah.

Chapter 3

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1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

*In that time, John the Baptist arrived, teaching in the desert of Judaea.

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

*And saying, "Change your ways: because the kingdom of heaven is near."

3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

*This means that the person being talked about was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah. He said, "Someone is shouting in the desert, 'Get ready for the Lord's coming and make his path easy to follow.'"

4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

*John wore clothing made from camel hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

*Then, Jerusalem, along with all of Judaea and the area around the Jordan River, came to him.

6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

*They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, admitting their wrongdoings.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

*But when Jesus saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he told them, "Snake-like people, who told you to avoid the coming anger?"

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

*So, produce appropriate fruits of change and transformation.

9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

*Don't think you can just say, "We have Abraham as our father." Because I tell you, God can create children for Abraham even from these stones.

10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

*Now, the axe is ready to cut down trees from their roots. So, any tree that doesn't produce good fruit gets chopped down and thrown into the fire.

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

*I really use water for washing to make people feel sorry. But the person coming after me is stronger; I'm not even good enough to carry his shoes. He will use the Holy Spirit and fire to cleanse people.

12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

*Whoever has a fan to clean, will thoroughly remove dirt from their floor and collect the good grain in a storage; but will burn the worthless husks with endless fire.

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

*Then, Jesus travels to Jordan from Galilee to see John and get baptized by him.

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

*But John stopped him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and why are you coming to me?"

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

*Jesus replied, "It's okay to do it this way now; this is how we complete all righteous actions." So, he allowed it to happen.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

*When Jesus got baptized, he came out of the water right away. Then, suddenly, the sky opened up for him. He saw the Holy Spirit coming down like a dove and sitting on him.

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

*And look, a voice came from the sky, saying, This is my dear son, who makes me very happy.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes

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