Today's Daily Bread

JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY

Date : Sunday, January 25, 2026
Passage : Matthew 3:1~12
Keyverse : 2  
1
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2
and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
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This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ’Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’"
4
John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
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People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
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Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
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But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
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Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
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And do not think you can say to yourselves, ’We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
12
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Before John the Baptist was born, God called him to be his servant to prepare the way for the Messiah (Lk 1:17). John’s message in the wilderness was clear. He announced the coming of the kingdom of heaven and urged people to repent and turn away from their sins.

People from all over the country responded to John’s message, coming out to him, confessing their sins, and receiving his baptism. After living without a prophet to deliver the word of God, they were thirsty and humble. They were like fields ready for the harvest (Jn 4:35).

To the proud leaders who challenged his authority, John proclaimed that his water baptism was to open the hearts of people and prepare them for Jesus’ baptism with Holy Spirit and fire. They would receive the kingdom of heaven that Jesus brings, not through their family name or social status, but through repentance and its fruits. Nobody deserves this grace, but our Lord graciously invites you to come as you are, to take off the burden of sins before him, and receive his kingdom. Are you ready to confess your sins before him and repent, to turn to the way of righteousness and grace with the Lord?

Prayer: Father, thank you for forgiving my sins each day. Please grant me the spirit of repentance to overcome my pride and bear fruit as your servant.
One Word: Repent!