The baptism of Jesus

The Baptism of Jesus

13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

I. Message:

Content:

1. Jesus went to the Jordan, and asked John the Baptist to baptize him (v13)
2. John the Baptist attempted to change Jesus’ mind, because common sense dictates that Jesus should be the one baptizing him. Through this, John expressed his sense of unworthiness (v14)
3. Jesus insisted that John the Baptist baptize him in order to fulfill all righteousness, God’s command. John the Baptist complied to Jesus’ request. (v15)
4. The scene and surrounding circumstances at Jesus’ baptism (v16-17)

Theme:

1. The baptism of Jesus
2. Fulfilling God’s command

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ fulfilling all righteousness (obeying God’s command. (v15)
2. Jesus who was baptized (v13)
3. The Spirit of God descending like a dove on Jesus Christ (16)
4. God with voice from Heaven (v17)
5. Jesus Christ is the beloved son of God (v17)

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1) John the Baptist

We know that God does not use people at random. A chosen servant is the result of meticulous selection. This person necessarily had many special characteristics, and John the Baptist is one such example. The notable characteristics include: a) clear about his mission: he knows his assigned role and his transitional mission. That is why he said to the crowd: “I baptized you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with Fire.”(Matthew 3:11)

b) Observed diligently the boundary of his role: John the Baptist was able to adhere to the boundary as defined by his role. When asked by Jesus to baptize him, he immediately tried to deter Jesus, and said: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" (v14)

c) Obedient: after Jesus’ explanation, John the Baptist complied. The scripture says, “Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. (v15)

d) Resisted temptation: because John the Baptist’s work was effective, his followers were increasing. However, he was able to gradually take on a less prominent role, and even take joy in it. This proves that John the Baptist did not lose himself in the crowd. He even said: “You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:28-30) He had indeed overcome the temptation of power!

Reflection: In my serving, am I clear about my mission or am I easily swayed by what others say? Do I know and observe the boundary as defined by my role? Am I obedient or subjective and arrogant? Can I resist temptation or do I get lost in power struggle? What have I learned from John the Baptist; what are the inspirations?

2) The baptism of Jesus Christ

Because Jesus Christ is God, he is perfect and without sin, hence he did not need to be baptized. However why did he asked to be baptized? The reasons are as follows:

1. Obedience to God: though without sin and did not need to be baptized, in obedience to God’s will, he received baptism.
2. To set a model: as Jesus preached repentance, he set the example through his own baptism for all to model after.
3. Substitution: because he was without sin, he suffered for the sin of mankind. Baptism exemplified his humility and identification with men. Just as Philippians 2:6-8 said: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!”

Reflection: What did I learned from the example Jesus Christ? Obedience to God, setting example and identify with us?

3) Trinitarian God

When Jesus arrived at the Jordan to receive baptism form John the Baptist, unusual circumstances appeared: as soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." According to the description of this passage, we discover God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit appearing at the same time, testifying to the Trinitarian God. a) The Father: a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (v17) b) The Son: Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. (v.16) c) the Holy Spirit: At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him (v16)

The Trinity is a theological mystery. It cannot be understood through human rationality, but only through faith. However, we can try to explain it with two limited illustrations: 1) Sun, itself, its light and heat, three aspects different in function and effect yet belonging to one. 2) Water, as liquid, solid and gas, three states manifested differently yet the same.

Reflection: What is my understanding and experience of the Holy Trinity?

4) The declaration of Father God

God with his voice from heaven said: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." From these two statements, we know: a) God’s beloved son: Although Jesus Christ was the only begotten and beloved son of God, for the sake of the salvation of humankind, was sacrificed. This proves that God’s love for men is deep and wide. b) “with him I am well pleased” : Jesus was without sin throughout his life. Furthermore, he fulfilled God’s will with everything he did, giving glory to God and pleasing Him.

Reflection: Before God, am I like Jesus that God would declare, “this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased”? Or do I disappoint and hurt the Lord, perhaps even angered Him?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application