Baptism

 N. T. #19 "Baptism"

March 3, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 8

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

I finally found it, the notebook which held my writings from the beginning of Country Road Faith. It was dated May 17, 2010. Wow! What blessings and endurance the Lord has given to me throughout these13 years. So I want to say a big thanks to all of you who have faithfully remained with me in this walk through the Bible and along the road of faith. I hope it has been as refreshing and enlightening to you as it has been with me. Hopefully, this year will be an improvement over writings back then :) 

So far, we have studied about the lineage of Jesus through Joseph, His adopted father. Then some highlights in the early years of Jesus Christ. Now the public ministry of John the Baptist. (Luke goes into detail about the early years of John and Jesus.) 

In this third chapter, we have found out about John's message of repentance of sins, especially to the Pharisees and Sadducees, and multitudes. Also, the description of the Christ. (verses 11-12) The beginning of Christ's three-year ministry began with His baptism by John. (Mark and Luke give us more details about the younger Jesus.)

Jesus grew up in Nazareth and around the Sea of Galilee. That was a large part of where Jesus' ministry took place. (Jerusalem, also) Is it important where we grow up, where we live as an adult? I think so. God has us in various areas of America and around the world. He has us in our spot to be His witness and to serve in different churches. 

LET IT GROW

All 4 Gospels record this event to verify Jesus' baptism. Jesus went south to the Jordan River to be baptized (baptizo-fully wet) by John the Baptist. John's work was going well, people were taking notice, and everything grew. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. 

Shall we stand by in the crowd watching what happened?

• John tried to talk Jesus out of John baptizing Him. Jesus needed no repentance of sin, for Jesus committed no sin. Wasn't John convessing his need for Jesus?
•  "I am the one who needs to be baptized by You, so why are you coming to me?," John asked.
• Jesus said it was to carry out all that God requires. (to fulfill all righteousness-to accomplish God's mission for Him) (verse 15)
• As Jesus was baptized, He was confessing the sins on behalf of Israel, supporting what John was doing, inaugurating His public ministry, and identifying with the penitent people of God. 
• Jesus accepted baptism in obedient service to the Father God.

In His substitutionary death on the cross, Jesus would bear the transgressions of sinners and credit them with His perfect righteousness. (2 Cor. 5:21) (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

Will John be able to turn his followers over to Jesus? Can we, like John, put our egos and profitable work aside in order to point others to Jesus? Are we willing to lose some of our status so that everyone will benefit?

LET IT GO

Help us let go of our wants, egos, things, in order to bring others to You, Jesus the Savior.

May You be lifted up, Jesus, so people will be drawn unto You.

Fill us with humility and the Holy spirit so we can accomplish You Kingdom work for Your glory, Jesus.