Who begins to announce the coming of the King in Matthew 3?
John the Baptist begins to announce the coming of the King in Matthew 3. His message is 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' This announcement follows the record of Jesus' birth and introduces the King as Israel's Messiah, fulfilling covenant promises.
Les explains that Matthew chapter 1 traces Jesus' genealogy only back to Abraham because Matthew presents Him as the King of the nation of Israel, Israel's Messiah, and the fulfillment of covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Coming to Matthew 3, after Jesus' birth has been recorded, John the Baptist begins to announce the coming of the King. John's message is 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' Though this sounds heavenly, Les notes the Heavenly Kingdom will be on the earth.