DAY #3: January 3, 2009 - Matthew 3:1-17

In Matthew’s Gospel, he skips the next 30 years or so of Jesus’ life. Matthew picked up the story with the introductory ministry of John the Baptist, the “ambassador” of the King. In the Scriptures several men were named John, but only one had the distinguishing name John the Baptist, that is, the Baptizer. While self- imposed proselyte baptism was known to the Jews, John’s baptism was unusual for he was the first person who came baptizing others.

John’s ministry was conducted in the Desert of Judea, barren and rugged land west of the Dead Sea. 3:3-10. The relationship of John the Baptist to the coming Messiah was clearly seen. John believed he was not even worthy to carry (or untie) the sandals of the Coming One. John was simply the one who who was preparing a remnant for the Messiah, and who was baptizing in water those who responded. The Coming One would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

After years of silence in Nazareth, Jesus appeared among those listening to John’s preaching and presented Himself as a candidate for baptism. Only Matthew recorded John’s opposition to this act: I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? John recognized Jesus did not fit the requirements for his baptism, since his baptism was for repentance from sin. Of what did Jesus have to repent? He had never sinned (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1 John 3:5), so He could not be officially entering into John’s baptism even though He was seeking to be baptized by John.

Jesus’ response to John was that it was fitting for Him to take part in John’s baptism at this time in order to fulfill all righteousness. What did Jesus mean? The Law included no requirements about baptism, so Jesus could not have had in view anything pertaining to Levitical righteousness. But John’s message was a message of repentance, and those experiencing it were looking forward to a coming Messiah who would be righteous and who would bring in righteousness. If Messiah were to provide righteousness for sinners, He must be identified with sinners. It was therefore in the will of God for Him to be baptized by John in order to be identified (the real meaning of the word “baptized”) with sinners.

The significant thing about the baptism of Jesus was the authentication from heaven. As Jesus came up out of the water... the Spirit of God came down on Him in the form of a dove. As One went up, the Other came down. A voice from heaven—the voice of God the Father—said, This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. God repeated these words about Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:5). All three Persons of the Godhead were present at this event: the Father who spoke of His Son, the Son who was being baptized, and the Spirit who descended on the Son as a dove. This verified for John that Jesus is the Son of God (John 1:32-34). It was also in keeping with Isaiah’s prophecy that the Spirit would rest on the Messiah (Isa. 11:2). The descent of the Holy Spirit empowered the Son, the Messiah, for His ministry among people.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read?)

So many things stand out... The courage and faith of John the Baptist. He cared not what others thought or said about him. His sole concern was pleasing the ONE who sent him. I wonder what our church would be like, if it were filled with people who lived for an audience of ONE. I wonder what my life would be like if I could live this way 24/7. This problem of living for the approval of others was real for many of the Jews of the first century who placed their faith in Jesus - they cared too much about what others thought. They sought recognition and approval from the wrong source.

"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God." John 12:42-43 (NIV)

Lord, day by day, would you give me the strength of will to care more about what you think then what others do. Build this strength of Character into Emily, Katie, Drew, Kelsey and Matt. Build this into our people at COV.

The other thing that stands out to me today is the lengths that Jesus went to identify with us. He is not some distant, uncaring, unsympathetic God who has no idea what I go through.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

My response? How can I not live a wholehearted life for Him? (Luke 10:27) God, in everything I do today, help me give me all to you, just as you gave your all for me. Give me a heart to walk in the shoes of others as you walk in mine. Give me a heart to build bridges for people to get to you and receive you in to their hearts as Lord.

PRAYER

Jesus I love you. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for setting the example for me. Thank you for knowing me through and through and not turning away in disgust. Lord, move in the hearts of our people at COV to follow you in obedience through baptism. Move in the hearts of our people to walk with people who you have placed in their life. Move in the hearts of our people to build bridges for others to find Jesus.