In The Footsteps Of The Master: The Life and Times of Jesus Christ The Baptism of Jesus November 2,

2 Interesting Fact Did You Know? The oldest city under an American Flag is named for John the Baptist What City is it? San Juan, Puerto Rico Originally the entire island was named San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) Official Commonwealth motto is: “His name is John,” quoted from Luke 1:63

3 Jordan River The only river of real size in Israel Many key Biblical events occurred here When Israelites entered the “Promised Land” they crossed it on dry land (during flood stage) Elijah and Elisha both performed miracles AND God in the flesh was baptized in its waters

4 Jordan River

5 Jordan River

6 Synoptic Accounts Read Mark 1:9-11 Marks narrative reveals the theological difficulty posed by this event John offered a “baptism of repentance” (Mark1:4, Luke 3:3) –Jesus submitted to it –Doesn’t Jesus’ action indicate that he sinned? –Some, of course answered affirmatively This notion contradicts the early and widespread belief. 2 Cor 5:21, Heb 4:14- 15

7 Synoptic Accounts Others John baptized were described as “confessing their sins” Mark 1:5, Matt 3:6 Not so with Jesus Read Matthew 3:13-17 In this account the author seems prompted to expand the story Jesus seems to talk John into baptizing Him

8 Synoptic Accounts Read John 1:29-34 The most common explanation is that Jesus was baptized to set an example for others Why demonstrate baptism Especially in light of the mixed message that might be sent? This also shed little light on the divine response that follows Short Video Clip from John

9 Washbasin Explanation Read Luke 3:21-23, then Mark 1:5 This is a sizeable population (1:5) People gathered along shore, publicly confessed their sin, and immersed They were theoretically “free of their sins” Where did there sins go? Into the water (some argue literally or figuratively, but makes no difference here)

10 Washbasin Continued Jesus enters the picture The only One without sin Think of the Jordan as a “washbasin” If those dirty are made clean by its waters Then the one who is clean is rendered dirty Jesus taking the sins “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)

11 Pivotal Event God says “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” Possibly pleased that Jesus has willingly shouldered the transgressions of all the people From this point on Jesus will demonstrate his capacity to forgive individuals their sins –Something not exhibited prior to His baptism –Satan immediately tries to dissuade Him in the Temptation of Jesus

Why Was Jesus Baptized?

13 Why Was Jesus Baptized? Matthew 3:13-15 –“Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. To fulfill all righteousness –What does that mean?

14 Jesus’ Humanity Jesus’ baptism identifies Him with those He came to save –There was no need for the sinless Messiah, 100% Son of God, to seek forgiveness of sins or repentance –Yet His 100% humanity led Him to participate with us Philippians 2:5-8 –“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

15 Jesus’ Example For Us We encounter those who argue that linking baptism to salvation amounts to “salvation by works” Yet, if the Creator of the Universe humbled Himself in submission to baptism – even when it was not necessary for Him to do so (at least in the salvation sense) – who could possibly argue that sinful men should not? Pride would have to be the hindrance

16 Descending of the Spirit Matthew 3:16-17 –“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Psalm 2:7 –“I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”

17 The Chosen Servant Isaiah 42:1-4 –“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.”

18 The Anointed One Isaiah 61:1-2 –“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn …” Jesus will later quote this passage in the synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-19)

19 Anointing of David 1 Samuel 16:12-13b –“So he sent and brought [David] in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is he.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.”

20 The Anointed Messiah Malachi 4:5-6 –“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.” As the great prophets Samuel and Elijah anointed kings among men, the second Elijah anointed the King of Kings at the beginning of His earthly ministry

21 Next Week The Temptation of Jesus