ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Matthew 3

Matthew 3 is a chapter in the Bible that tells the story of a man named John the Baptist. He was a very important person who helped people learn about God and prepare for Jesus, who would come to Earth later.

When John first began his work, he went into the wilderness and wore clothes made from camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and honey for food!

People from all over the region came to see John and hear his message. He would tell them that they needed to repent, which means to turn away from doing wrong things and ask God for forgiveness.

John would then baptize people in the Jordan River, which means to dunk them beneath the water as a symbol of being washed clean from their sins.

One day, Jesus himself came to see John and asked him to baptize him. Of course, John was hesitant and felt unworthy to do so. But Jesus insisted, and when he was baptized, the sky opened up, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

This was a very special moment because it showed that Jesus was God's Son and had come to fulfill the prophecies about him. Many people were amazed and began to follow Jesus after witnessing this miraculous event.

In summary, Matthew 3 tells the story of how John the Baptist baptized people and prepared the way for Jesus to come. It also tells the story of when Jesus was baptized and officially recognized as God's Son.