1. #1a: Does Matt. 26:53 imply that Jesus had a choice on whether to go through with his crucifixion, or not? If so, how does that harmonize with Matt. 26:39 and other similar gospel accounts? Here, Jesus prays as if it were up to God to decide, but then v. 53 seems to imply that Jesus himself would decide. 1

2. #1a: Does Matt. 26:53 imply that Jesus had a choice on whether to go through with his crucifixion, or not? Yes, implies Jesus’ choice to be crucifiedYes, implies Jesus’ choice to be crucified -Choice from eternity past – 1 Pet. 1:18-20; Jno. 10:17-18; 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Eph. 1:4-12 -Choice in Gethsemane – Matt. 20:22; Jno. 18:11 -Choice to fulfill word of God – Matt. 26:54 (53, 56) 2

3. #1b: “How does Matt. 26:53 harmonize with Matt. 26:39?” Harmony found in at least two things: The unity of the Father & Son – Jno. 10:30The unity of the Father & Son – Jno. 10:30 - Eternal life & security – Jno. 10:27-29 -Work of redemption: -Given to the Son by the Father – Jno. 17:4 -Obeyed by the Son – Jno. 10:18 3

4. #1b: “How does Matt. 26:53 harmonize with Matt. 26:39?” Harmony found in at least two things: Son’s voluntary submission to lay down His life – Jno. 10:17-18Son’s voluntary submission to lay down His life – Jno. 10:17-18 -Jesus knew what would happen to Him – 18:4; Matt. 26:39 -Willing submission when arrested (rather than fight) – Matt. 26:53-56 (Jno. 18:11) 4

5. #2: Matthew 3:11 – What did John the Baptist mean when he said, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”? 5

6. #12: Matthew 3:11 – What did John the Baptist mean when he said, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”? Context: Preaching & baptism of John (3:1-12) 1. Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins - 3:1-3 (Lk. 3:2-3; Isa. 40:3) 1. Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins - 3:1-3 (Lk. 3:2-3; Isa. 40:3) 2. John an oddity to many – 3:4-6 (Matt. 11:7- 10) 2. John an oddity to many – 3:4-6 (Matt. 11:7- 10) 6

7. #12: Matthew 3:11 – What did John the Baptist mean when he said, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”? John challenged Pharisees & Sadducees (3:7-9)John challenged Pharisees & Sadducees (3:7-9) Work of Messiah would save & punish (3:10-12)Work of Messiah would save & punish (3:10-12) 7

8. #12: Matthew 3:11 – What did John the Baptist mean when he said, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”? Work of Messiah would save & punish (3:10-12)Work of Messiah would save & punish (3:10-12) 1.Divine judgment (3:10) a.Good fruit: Into barn – 3:12 (Salvation) b.Bad fruit: Cut & burned – 3:10, 12; 7:19 (Punishment) 8

9. #12: Matthew 3:11 – What did John the Baptist mean when he said, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”? Work of Messiah would save & punish (3:10-12)Work of Messiah would save & punish (3:10-12) 2. Messiah will baptize you: a.With the Holy Spirit – Joel 2:28-29 (Isa. 44:3); Acts 1:5, 8; 2:16-18 b.With fire – 3:10 [11] 12; Matt. 13:41-42, 49-50; 25:32-33 9

10. Question For You Are you the wheat that will be garnered by the Lord, or the chaff (refuse) that will be cast out into “unquenchable fire” ? 10