The Commands, Teachings, and Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Matthew 3:7-12

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? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

       John the Baptist knew that the Pharisees and Sadducees were corrupt in their heart so he called them out, similarly to how Jesus would later on. John said, “You’re a bunch of poisonous snakes—who warned you to flee from the wrath (God’s judgment on the ungodly) that is to come?” Then he points out that if they are really going to flee from the wrath to come that they must truly repent and bring forth fruit evidencing that change of life, heart, and direction. In short, that they have true faith because genuine faith is evidenced by works (James 2:14-26) [not to say that works make faith because they don’t].

 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.

     John also told the Pharisees and Sadducees, don’t claim that because you are the blood descendants of Abraham that you’re safe. No, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. In short—lay down your pride and humble yourself!

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.

     John gets to the heart as he flows in his God-given gift of prophetic directness—the axe is at the root of the trees (you); every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit (a life evidencing their sincere faith, not legalism) will be cut down and cast into the fire (Hell and judgment)—respond to the conviction of the Truth, humble yourself!

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’m just baptizing you with water unto repentance John says. But Jesus who is coming after me and is mightier than me—yea I’m not even worthy to touch his shoes!—will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. You will have power and anointing to live for God when Jesus comes and baptizes you with power and fire from on high. It is through Christ’s sacrifice and the baptism of His Spirit—the Teacher and Guide who He sent to shepherd us in His absence on earth is our strength and an all consuming fire inside of the Believer, the Follower of Christ.

 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.

     Jesus has a fan in his hand and he will not only thoroughly purify his threshing floor by getting rid of the chaff. Jesus waves His fan and the chaff (lighter material, husk) will blow away from the heavy, living fruit (the wheat) which will remain and then be gathered and stored up (Heaven). But the chaff will be burned up with unquenchable fire (Hell).

Matt 3:7-12 (KJV)