Proclaimed in Baptism Matt 3:1-6, SS Lesson for 01/03/10

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1 Proclaimed in Baptism Matt 3:1-6, SS Lesson for 01/03/10 Devotional Scripture: Rom 6:1-13 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS PROCLAIMED THROUGH REPENTANCE BEFORE BAPTISM (MATT 3:1-6) Repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand (1-2) Since the Kingdom is near, we should be clear minded and self controlled (1 Peter 4:7) When the gospel is preached to the whole world, the end will come (Matt 24:14) The end of this present age is closer than we believe (Rom 13:11-12) Since the end is near, don't get engrossed in this world (1 Cor 7:29-31) Since the end is near, be patient and steadfast (James 5:8) When the antichrist comes, it is the last hour (1 John 2:18) Repentance is a prerequisite to being saved from perishing (Luke 13:3) Repentance is a path to life (Acts 11:18) Repentance is having a godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:10-11) God desires that all repent (2 Peter 3:9) Repentance that fulfills prophecy (3-4) A prophecy that calls for one to forsake evil thoughts and ways (Isa 55:7) A prophecy that calls for a return to God (Hos 14:1-2) A prophecy that calls for turning away from sin (Ezek 18:21-23) A prophecy that calls for humility and prayer (2 Chron 7:14) A prophecy that calls for fasting, weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-13) A prophecy that promises God's forgiveness because of man's repentance (Jer 18:7-8) A prophecy that calls for shame and humiliation for sin (Ezra 9:6) Repentance that leads to baptism (5-6) A baptism that signified repentance (Acts 19:1-7) A baptism that symbolized being buried with Jesus (Col 2:11-12) A baptism that symbolized a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:18-22) A baptism with water (Acts 1:5) PROCLAIMED IN BAPTISM THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT (MATT 3:11-12) The Holy Spirit signifying Jesus' superiority (11) Superiority because Jesus is the head and beginning of everything (Col 1:18) Superiority because Jesus is above all (John 3:31) Superiority because of His Name (Heb 1:4) Superiority because all authority has been given to Him (Matt 28:18) Superiority because He will reign until all His enemies are under His feet (1 Cor 15:24-25) The Holy Spirit who has the unquenchable fire (12) An unquenchable fire to test the quality of works (1 Cor 3:10-15) An unquenchable fire that proves the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:7) An unquenchable fire of affliction (Isa 48:10) An unquenchable fire that purifies (Dan 11:35) An unquenchable fire that consumes the enemies of God (Heb 10:26-28) PROCLAIMED IN BAPTISM TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS (MATT 3:13-15) The need of righteousness (13-14) Righteousness is needed to be allowed to get into Heaven (Ps 24:3-5) Proclaimed in Baptism Page 1 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

2 Righteousness is needed to make us part of the Kingdom of God (Rom 14:17) Righteousness is needed to make our lights shine before others (Matt 5:16) Righteousness is needed to free us from sin at work within us (Rom 7:21-25) Righteousness is needed to make us instruments of righteousness (Rom 6:13) Righteousness is needed to make our spirits alive (Rom 8:10) The fulfillment of righteousness (15) Righteousness through the sinless Jesus (2 Cor 5:21) Righteousness that comes by faith (Heb 11:7) Righteousness that has been credited through faith (Rom 4:2-5) Righteousness that is the gift of God (Rom 5:17) Righteousness that comes from being under grace (Rom 6:12-14) Righteousness that comes from Christ being in me (Rom 8:10) Righteousness that is part of the armor of God (Eph 6:14) PROCLAIMED IN BAPTISM FOR CONFIRMATION (MATT 3:16-17) Confirmation through a dove (16) Confirmation that the Spirit rests on Jesus providing wisdom, understanding, counsel and power (Isa 11:1-2) Confirmation that the Spirit remained on Jesus because Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33) Confirmation that Jesus has the Spirit, so He speaks the words of God (John 3:34-35) Confirmation that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:37-38) Confirmation that Jesus was to preach and teach about the good news (Isa 61:1) Confirmation that Jesus was the Chosen One (Matt 12:18) Confirmation by God Himself (17) Confirmation by God that Jesus is His Son (Matt 17:5) Confirmation by God that He is pleased with Jesus as His Son (2 Peter 1:17) Confirmation by God that Jesus is His Son by placing His seal of approval on Him (John 6:27) Confirmation by God that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:5-9) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR The voice of prophetic preparation (Matt. 3:1-4) The voice of rare humility (Matt. 3:5-6, 11-12) The voice of confirming love (Matt. 3:13-17) Proclaimed in Baptism Page 2 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The concept of the outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. This week's lesson examines Jesus being Proclaimed in Baptism. The study's aim is to be aware that God planned the announcement and affirmation of His Son as Messiah. The study's application is to understand the distinction between John's baptism and the later baptism promoted by Jesus for those who are called Christians. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Between the days of Malachi and those of John the Baptist, the nation of Israel had not heard the voice of a prophet of God that s over 400 years! During those years of silence, some may have begun to feel that God had abandoned or forgotten his people. But the truth about God is that he is always at work, whether we recognize it or not. During those 400 years God had been working out his plan of the ages. That plan involved providing the ultimate answer for the problem of sin. Our lesson today reveals the end of God s period of silence as a new prophet broke onto the scene. John the Baptist had come to announce that the one promised was close at hand. John thus served as the bridge from the anticipation of the Messiah to his actual appearance. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Baptism is a matter of obedience to the Lord's command, but it is also our testimony to others of our salvation. We remember that the Ethiopian eunuch immediately wanted to be baptized after Philip taught him about salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-38). It is amazing that immediately after believing in Christ, he understood he should take that step of obedience. This week it is the baptism of Jesus Himself that we examine. There are many who wonder why Jesus would want to be baptized, for it certainly was not an act that followed salvation for Him. We will see what He told John. Perhaps there are some studying this material who have not yet been baptized. Use this lesson to think through whether you should take this step. Having come through the Christmas season, we now begin the new year studying five evidences of Jesus as the Messiah (Anointed One). These deal with His baptism, temptation, acts of healing, prayer to His Father, and rejection by some. In this lesson we see how John the Baptist, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit bore witness to Him. There are people today who will do anything to become famous celebrities. Sometimes they trample over anyone who gets in their way. John the Baptist was related to Jesus and was filled by the Holy Spirit from the womb (Luke 1:15). He was also mentioned in Old Testament prophecy (Isa. 40:3-5) and called Elijah by Jesus (cf. Matt. 17:12-13). John knew his role of preparing people for the coming Messiah, and he humbly stepped aside for Him (John 3:28-30). Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Proclaimed through Repentance Before Baptism (Matt 3:1-6) 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.'" 4 Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 3 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

4 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. Repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand (1-2) Since the Kingdom is near, we should be clear minded and self controlled (1 Peter 4:7) 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. When the gospel is preached to the whole world, the end will come (Matt 24:14) 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. The end of this present age is closer than we believe (Rom 13:11-12) 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Since the end is near, don't get engrossed in this world (1 Cor 7:29-31) 29 What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. Since the end is near, be patient and steadfast (James 5:8) 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. When the antichrist comes, it is the last hour (1 John 2:18) 18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. Repentance is a prerequisite to being saved from perishing (Luke 13:3) 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Repentance is a path to life (Acts 11:18) 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." Repentance is having a godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:10-11) 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. God desires that all repent (2 Peter 3:9) 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 4 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

5 Repentance that fulfills prophecy (3-4) A prophecy that calls for one to forsake evil thoughts and ways (Isa 55:7) 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. A prophecy that calls for a return to God (Hos 14:1-2) 14 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! 2 Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. A prophecy that calls for turning away from sin (Ezek 18:21-23) 21 "But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. 22 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? A prophecy that calls for humility and prayer (2 Chron 7:14) 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. A prophecy that calls for fasting, weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-13) 12 'Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. A prophecy that promises God's forgiveness because of man's repentance (Jer 18:7-8) 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. A prophecy that calls for shame and humiliation for sin (Ezra 9:6) 6 and prayed: "O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. Repentance that leads to baptism (5-6) A baptism that signified repentance (Acts 19:1-7) 19 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 5 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

6 A baptism that symbolized being buried with Jesus (Col 2:11-12) 11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. A baptism that symbolized a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:18-22) 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. A baptism with water (Acts 1:5) 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Proclaimed in Baptism through the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11-12) 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." The Holy Spirit signifying Jesus' superiority (11) Superiority because Jesus is the head and beginning of everything (Col 1:18) 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Superiority because Jesus is above all (John 3:31) 31 "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. Superiority because of His Name (Heb 1:4) 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Superiority because all authority has been given to Him (Matt 28:18) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Superiority because He will reign until all His enemies are under His feet (1 Cor 15:24-25) 4 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 6 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

7 The Holy Spirit who has the unquenchable fire (12) An unquenchable fire to test the quality of works (1 Cor 3:10-15) 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. An unquenchable fire that proves the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:7) 7 These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. An unquenchable fire of affliction (Isa 48:10) 10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. An unquenchable fire that purifies (Dan 11:35) 35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. An unquenchable fire that consumes the enemies of God (Heb 10:26-28) 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Proclaimed in Baptism to Fulfill all Righteousness (Matt 3:13-15) 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. The need of righteousness (13-14) Righteousness is needed to be allowed to get into Heaven (Ps 24:3-5) 3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Righteousness is needed to make us part of the Kingdom of God (Rom 14:17) 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Righteousness is needed to make our lights shine before others (Matt 5:16) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 7 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

8 Righteousness is needed to free us from sin at work within us (Rom 7:21-25) 21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Righteousness is needed to make us instruments of righteousness (Rom 6:13) 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Righteousness is needed to make our spirits alive (Rom 8:10) 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. The fulfillment of righteousness (15) Righteousness through the sinless Jesus (2 Cor 5:21) 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Righteousness that comes by faith (Heb 11:7) 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Righteousness that has been credited through faith (Rom 4:2-5) 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about but not before God. 3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. Righteousness that is the gift of God (Rom 5:17) 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Righteousness that comes from being under grace (Rom 6:12-14) 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Righteousness that comes from Christ being in me (Rom 8:10) 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 8 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

9 Righteousness that is part of the armor of God (Eph 6:14) 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Proclaimed in Baptism for Confirmation (Matt 3:16-17) 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Confirmation through a dove (16) Confirmation that the Spirit rests on Jesus providing wisdom, understanding, counsel and power (Isa 11:1-2) 11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord Confirmation that the Spirit remained on Jesus because Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33) 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Confirmation that Jesus has the Spirit, so He speaks the words of God (John 3:34-35) 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Confirmation that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:37-38) 37 You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Confirmation that Jesus was to preach and teach about the good news (Isa 61:1) 61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, Confirmation that Jesus was the Chosen One (Matt 12:18) 18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. Confirmation by God Himself (17) Confirmation by God that Jesus is His Son (Matt 17:5) 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Proclaimed in Baptism Page 9 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

10 Confirmation by God that He is pleased with Jesus as His Son (2 Peter 1:17) 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Confirmation by God that Jesus is His Son by placing His seal of approval on Him (John 6:27) 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." Confirmation by God that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:5-9) 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary This is the time of year that many resolve to make changes. It may be changing an unhealthy diet, initiating an exercise routine, or correcting improper sleep habits. Some resolve to get their financial house in order or shake an addiction. The best resolution anyone can make is to heed the call of John the Baptist and repent. Perhaps there is a sin habit that is controlling your life. Determine now to turn from it. Even if you ve been a Christian for a long time, you can resolve anew to honor Jesus as Messiah (1 John 1:9). Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan, many significant things happened. First, in the rite of water baptism, Jesus identified Himself with sinners. John's baptism was a rite that people submitted to in order to express repentance of their sin (Matt. 3:6, 11). Jesus had no sin (I John 3:5), so His baptism could not have symbolized repentance from sin. Then why was He baptized? One reason was "to fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). It was a righteous thing to do. It was what every person should have done at that time. Another reason was to display His humble heart. It was a great act of humility for the superior to be baptized by the inferior. John immediately saw that it was out of order for him to baptize Jesus. He tried to stop Him and said, "I have need to be baptized of thee" (Matt. 3:14). Christ's display of genuine humbleness matched His words in Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart." His example of submitting to someone who was below Him in spiritual stature is a good model for us to follow. A second thing that happened when Jesus was baptized was the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Him, anointing Him for His ministry (Matt. 3:16; Acts 10:38). The Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove and landed on Jesus. This confirmed to John that Jesus was the promised Messiah, for God had previously told him, "Whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost" (John 1:33). A third thing that happened when Jesus was baptized was that God spoke audible words from heaven, confirming that Jesus was His dear Son. God said, "This is my beloved Son, I whom I am well pleased." To hear the majestic voice of God proclaim that Jesus was His dear Son and that He was pleased with Him must have been an awesome, unforgettable event for all who were privileged to hear, including Jesus Himself. Although it is possible that Jesus' baptism was strictly a private affair between Jesus and John, it seems likely that others were present. God did not say "You are my beloved Son." Instead, He said "This is my beloved Son," as if speaking to others who were present at the baptism. Even if there were no onlookers, it is likely that some of John's disciples were present when John baptized Jesus. Besides these three significant things, something else contributed to the magnitude of Jesus' baptism. At the baptism of Jesus we get a glimpse of the holy Trinity. All the Members Proclaimed in Baptism Page 10 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

11 of the Godhead were active at the baptism. The Father spoke from heaven. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, came upon Jesus (cf. Isa. 42:1) to anoint Him for His messianic ministry. Jesus, the Son, submitted to John's baptism. It is also clear from Jesus baptism that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct from each other. Paul made these same distinctions when he wrote of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (II Cor. 13:14). We see the activity and endorsement of the holy Trinity at the baptism of Christ. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. If God's people have lapsed into complacency, He will confront them in a way that will shock them out of it (Matt. 3:1-4) 2. When God confronts our sin, many will be repelled, but God's Spirit will gather whom He chooses (vs. 5-6) 3. Confronting sin is essential, but saving is always a mightier work than judging (vs ) 4. God's way is always one of humility and submission to authority (vs ) 5. God's calling is never alone; He always supplies the needed power and motivation for it (vs. 16) 6. God's pleasure is in Jesus and whoever belongs to Him (vs. 17) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Zig Ziglar once said, "Attitude is a posture or position assumed to serve a purpose" ( In today's lesson, John the Baptist showed an attitude of boldness and humility as he prepared the people for God's Messiah. God the Father showed a spirit of love as He declared that Jesus Christ, His Son, was the promised Messiah. The voice of prophetic preparation (Matt. 3:1-4) John the Baptist appeared on the world scene with dramatic suddenness. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, John's message of personal repentance and the presence of God's kingdom was direct and demanding. Although John's message of repentance demanded a personal response on the part of his hearers, the message was not an end in itself. John's bold message also contained an element of prophetic preparation. John was preparing the world for the appearance of God's promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. God's desire to have a relationship with His creatures was lovingly displayed through the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist. Both John's preaching and baptism set the stage for God's proclamation that His Son, Jesus Christ, was the promised Messiah. The voice of rare humility (Matt. 3:5-6, 11-12) John baptized myriads of people from Jerusalem, Judea, and the countryside around the Jordan River. The volume of baptisms of repentance, accompanied by personal confessions of sin, posed a possible temptation for John to become brash and conceited. Instead, John displayed a rare attitude of humility. He recognized the coming ministry of One of incomparable worth. John displayed an extraordinary awareness that his ministry of water baptism was about to be superseded by the Person whose ministry of spiritual baptism would result in eternal blessings. The baptism of "the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 3:11) would purify and refine those who would experience personal repentance and confession of sin. Compared to the Person who would administer this baptism, John was merely a humble forerunner who gladly acknowledged his lesser importance. Many in today's culture view humility as a character weakness. In the context of spiritual disciplines, however, humility is a Christian virtue. Remember, God opposes pride but gives His grace to those who are humble (cf. I Pet. 5:5). The voice of confirming love (Matt. 3:13-17) While John was preaching and baptizing, Jesus appeared from Galilee to be baptized by him. John objected to Jesus' request, insisting that he needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus was adamant, however; so John consented and baptized Him. Immediately following Jesus' departure from the water, three supernatural events took place. First, the skies opened. Second, God's Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. Third, God's revelatory voice gave evidence that Jesus is His beloved Son. God's prophecy of a promised Messiah had Proclaimed in Baptism Page 11 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10

12 been fulfilled in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Now that Jesus had become an adult, God gave confirming evidence not only that He was the promised Messiah but also that He was God's beloved Son who was about to begin His public ministry. Proclaimed in Baptism Page 12 of 12 SS Lesson for 01/03/10