Introduction:
The Gospel according to Matthew presents the Good News of the King and His Kingdom.
Jesus is the merciful King, who has come to call sinners.
Matthew 9:12-13
John the Baptizer:
Matthew 3:1-12
“a good man, who bade the Jews practice virtue, be just toward one another, pious toward God, and come together by means of baptism.” ~ Josephus
Foretold by Prophets:
• Matthew 3:3
• Mark 1:2-3
• Isaiah 40:3ff
• Malachi 3:1; 4:5
A miraculous Birth:
• Luke 1:5-25
• Luke 1:57-80
An Offensive Message:
• Mark 1:4 - Repent
• Luke 3:7-9 - so what you are sons of Abraham
• Matthew 3:7-12 - brood of vipers; axe laid to the root, chaff burned with fire
Repentance:
• Understanding - Acknowledge your sin.
• Feeling - Pain, sorrow and grief over your sin against God and people.
• Will - actively turn away from your sin. 180 degree turn and purposefully taking steps to abandon sin.
An Offensive Method:
• Various Jewish washings (Mikveh) and ceremonial cleansing prescribed in Leviticus etc.
• This Baptism was not the self-administered ceremonial purification rituals, but a unique one-time act akin to the Proselyte Baptism for Gentiles.
An Announcement of Judgement:
• verse 7: the wrath to come
• verse 10: axe laid to the roots
• verse 11: baptism with fire = judgment
• verse 12: burning the chaff with unquenchable fire
The Baptism of Jesus:
Matthew 3:13-17
Why was Jesus baptized?
Suggestions posited:
• To inaugurate his ministry?
• To give divine approval to John’s ministry?
• To receive a special anointing with the Spirit?
• To show Gentiles could be saved?
• As part of his bearing the sins of the world?
We must bear in mind that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance:
• Jesus was sinless - Hebrews 4:15 & 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus’ statement: to fulfill all righteousness (v.15)
• to indicate the need of humility to repent and receive forgiveness
• to set forth his baptism as an example for his followers
• to manifest his identification with sinful humanity, whose sins he would take on himself on the cross
Heaven’s Approval:
• Spirit of God descended like a dove (v.16)
• Voice from Heaven: this is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased (v.17)
What does this mean for us?
Repent:
• for your religion - Pharisees
• for your irreligion - tax collectors
• for your self-will
• for your pride
• for your rebellion
Be Baptized:
• If you have never been baptized as a believer, we would love to help you take this first step of obedience as a believer
CG Questions
- Define Repentance.
- Discuss the three aspects of Repentance mentioned in the sermon:
mind - acknowledge your sin
Emotion - grieve your sin
Will - take active steps to forsake your sin - Do you see a connection between true repentance and mercy? How do the two work together? (Consider Luke 18:9-14)
- Is there anything that especially stands out about the account of Jesus’ Baptism?
- Are there any specific steps of obedience you need to take? Share them with another person and have them pray for you.