1. Encounter at the river

2. Foundation
Isaiah 40:1-5
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the lords hand double for all her sins a voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together for the mouth of the lord has spoken

3. John the Baptist Sent by God to precede Jesus to lay the foundation
Interesting dude, cool back story and cousin of Jesus
Sole intent was to set the foundation for Jesus to come, get people to repent, and ask for forgiveness of sin

4. John the Baptist Luke 1:16-17
He will be filled with the holy spirit even from his mothers womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

5. Climate
Much corruption, dishonesty and self centeredness amongst Jewish leadership
Pharisees and Sadducees amongst these people
Originally law makers and promoters of tradition but in time turned very legalistic and hypocritical
John did not hold back on his feelings for these groups of people

6. Mathew 3:7
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “ You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath?

7. Mathew 3:11
I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God but someone is coming soon who is greater that I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy to even be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy spirit and fire.

8. Jesus baptism Over 60 miles travelled to get to John for the baptism
He didn’t have to get baptized but did anyway in order to fulfill the fathers will
This was the external expression to inform the world that we are a new creation
John felt super unworthy to be performing this task

9. Experiencing the Trinity
The father- Speaking audibly from heaven in Mathew 3:17
The Son- Jesus there in physical form getting baptized by John at the Jordan river Mathew 3:13
The holy spirit- Which descended like a dove and settled upon Jesus in Mathew 3:16

10. The main takeaway?
Jesus shows faithfulness to the will of the father and John show us faithfulness and obedience as an example as to how God desires us to obey Him.
Were not called to be religious, we’re called to have a relationship
If were walking according to the will of Jesus it will not be in line with the way of the world

11. Questions
How does what happened at Jesus’ baptism prove He is more than just a good man? How can we know He actually is God the Son, the Promised messiah?
How do John’s statements to the Pharisees and Sadducees show us the danger of empty religion and ritual?
Why is it important for a follower of Jesus to be baptized?
Who in your life is there that needs to be pointed to Jesus? How can you go about reaching out to them?
How does the holy spirit help you as you serve the Lord?
What do we need to ask ourselves to make sure that we are not just going