Public Ministry Begins: Beginnings of the Gospel Ministry of John: Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8, and Luke 3:1-20 In this week s questions, which begin on page 7, we will continue our study of the life of Christ by looking at the baptism of Jesus. Before beginning the questions, please read the following notes, which are a commentary on the questions from lesson 9 concerning the ministry of John the Baptist. May the Lord add His blessings to our study. Review: Commentary on Questions from Lesson 9 Part One: Baptism of Repentance From the moment Adam chose his will over God s will, man became captive to sin. Paradise was lost, and both man and creation groaned under the curse of God. Yet, in the midst of years of frustration, God was quietly at work as each minute brought closer the day when God s ultimate plan for mankind would be revealed. Finally, the time was at hand. The world s political scene was ready: the nation of Israel was under the control of the Roman Empire, which would soon be God s instrument to scatter the Jews among the nations, and the might of the Roman Empire had established trade routes that would soon be used to spread the Gospel throughout the known world. As the political scene was ready, so too the Messiah was ready: He was Jesus, the Son of God, who, having been born as foretold by the prophets, lived a sinless life for thirty years and was now ready to begin His public ministry. Only man remained to be made ready to accept what He would offer. It was preparation that would be done through the ministry of John the Baptist, who was the voice of one calling: In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isaiah 40:3-5). In ancient times, the call to make straight the highway in the wilderness was issued by traveling monarchs who would send workers before them to prepare the way through difficult paths or untraveled land. The work would include providing supplies, constructing bridges, leveling hills, filling in low places, removing rough stones, and making crooked roads straight so that there would be no danger from those who might lie in wait hidden by a blind curve. No expense or labor would be spared to make the journey as safe and as comfortable as possible for the coming of the king (bible.cc/isaiah/40-3.htm). When all was ready, the king would begin his journey in comfort and safety because of the preparation that had gone before him. As it was with the journey of an earthly king, so it was to be with the journey of the coming King of Kings. This time the king was Jesus who was coming to announce that His kingdom, in which 1
the will of the God is always done, was drawing near as He said, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 4:17). John s part was to prepare the hearts of the people to accept Jesus offer, and he knew how much depended upon the acceptance of his message- - that to reject his message could lead to eternal damnation for the one who turned away, but to accept his message could lead to eternal life through Jesus Christ. Therefore, his message of hope had to be clear: I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear His threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:11-12). However, his message of warning had to be just as clear: "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:7-10). Those who repented were baptized by John. Though it was preparatory, it was a necessary step, a step that could not be skipped because it was an outward sign of an inward decision to confess and forsake sin and to live for the will of God. To those who were prepared, God would reveal His Son. To those who refused to be prepared, God would conceal His Son so that in them would be fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding, you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people s heart has been calloused. They hardly hear with the ears and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them (Matthew 13:13-14 from Isaiah 6:9-10). Some nine hundred years before the birth of Jesus, God sent His prophet, Elijah, to call the rulers and people of Israel to repentance and to warn of judgment if the call was ignored. It was the call that had been issued since Israel became a nation and would continue to be repeated until it becomes a reality. Four hundred years or so later, God promised another day of judgment for those who reject Him and a day of peace for those who receive Him. However, before that day could come, God promised to once more send Elijah to call the people and rulers of Israel to repentance and to warn again of the consequences of ignoring His call: See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse (Malachi 4:5-6). It was the prophecy that was fulfilled in John the Baptist just as the angel Gabriel said, Do not be afraid, Zechariah Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.Many of the people 2
of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). For those who have ears to hear, God s call is still as clear as it was over two thousand years ago because Jesus continues to say, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). May we accept His call and never be found among those who reject God s purpose for their lives, All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus words, acknowledged that God s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John (Luke 7:30). Part Two: Baptism by Jesus Since John came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 3:1-2) and Jesus began to preach, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 4:17), should we not know what the baptism offered by John and the baptism of the Holy Spirit had to do with the nearness of the kingdom? We have only to look at Jesus words to find their relevance: Jesus declared, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:5-8). John s baptism was a Jewish baptism that was already practiced by Jews for purification from defilement or as a symbol of consecration. It was used when a person became impure resulting in their exclusion from the community. For example, defilement could occur by touching a person who was ritually unclean, by touching a corpse, or by having a personal issue of blood. The one who was defiled had to be completely immersed in living water, which meant flowing water. After his baptism, the person was then symbolically given a new life of blessings and responsibilities in the community It demonstrated through obedience that a person was spiritually clean and eligible for full privileges and service within the nation of Israel (www.remnant.net/baptism.htm). With the coming of John the Baptist, the meaning of baptism changed from a call to ritual cleansing, which was necessary because of defilement that had nothing to do with sin, to a call to inward cleansing, which had everything to do with sin. It would be necessary for those who heard John say Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matthew 3:2). 3
When John and Jesus announced that the kingdom of heaven was near, it was news that Jews had been waiting for some two thousand years. It had to bring joy, delirious excitement, and great anticipation to all who heard. Surely the good news spread quickly from one village to another and crowds became larger and larger as more and more people flocked to hear Jesus just as they had flocked to hear John (Matthew 3:5). Upon hearing the good news, we do not have to be surprised that multitudes confessed their sins and were baptized by John and by Jesus own disciples (John 4:2). We do, however, have to wonder why anyone would turn down the call to be ready for that for which they had waited so long the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Those who had been baptized by John knew that the One whose way John was preparing would offer them a far greater baptism than John could offer. And indeed, they were correct because Jesus came bringing a new baptism of water as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit: Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20); Jesus gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). The new baptism of water, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the kingdom of heaven were wedded in heaven before the beginning of time: Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Sprit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:5-8). Entrance to the kingdom of God is gained through being born of water and being born of the Spirit. Being born of water is being baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins and being born of the Spirit is being baptized with the Holy Spirit: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). In 1 Peter 3:21, we learn that baptism that now saves you not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God s right hand with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to Him. This baptism differs from the preparatory baptism because it is now done in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins and by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was something that could not have been done by John 4
because God was the creator, not the Father, of those who were being baptized. He could only be a father to those who are His sons, and no one can become a son of God except through Jesus Christ: Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Let us know for certain that being born of water is the baptism of water, which is the pledge of a good conscience toward God and the reason why we receive forgiveness for our sins. It is the meaning of being baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: To be baptized in the Name of the Father, etc., is the same as to be baptized unto the Father To be baptized unto anyone is publicly to receive and adopt him as a religious teacher or lawgiver; to receive his system of religion So to be baptized in the name of the Father, or unto the Father, means publicly by a significant rite, to receive his system of religion; to bind the soul to obey his laws, to be devoted to him; to receive, as the guide and comforter of life, his instructions and to trust his promises. To be baptized unto the Son is to receive him as the Messiah our Prophet, Priest, and King to submit to his laws, and to receive him as a Savior. To be baptized unto the Holy Spirit is to receive him publicly as the Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide of the soul (bible.cc/matthew/28-19.htm). Let us know that whether we are baptized as a baby or as an adult, whether we are immersed in water or sprinkled with water, the only baptism that leads to our new birth is baptism that is done in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, which is nothing less than the pledge of a good conscience towards God. It is true saving faith in Jesus. Is it a meaning that is still understood by us today? To understand the connection between being baptized by water and being born of water enables us to understand being baptized by the Holy Spirit and being born of the Spirit. In John 14:15-17, Jesus says, If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him for He lives with you and will be in you ; and If anyone loves me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:23-26). Again, it is true saving faith in Jesus. Those who are baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit can now, as we have seen in John 14, be born of the Spirit by the baptism of the Holy Spirit because Jesus will only ask His Father to send the Holy Spirit to those who love Him and are willing to obey His commands. Therefore, When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-5
4). Though unseen today, it is the very same baptism that we receive from the firstborn Son of God whereby we are born again to enter the kingdom of God. When the followers of Jesus were baptized with the Holy Spirit, God allowed them to see and hear the physical manifestation of what happens when Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. The sound like the blowing of a violent wind from heaven that filled the whole house where the followers of Jesus were waiting and what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and rested on each of them are God s explanation of the unseen work He does in us when we are born again by baptism by the Spirit. When we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, the tornado- like force of the wind that filled the house that day blows away everything that holds us prisoner to sin and Satan, so that the tongues of fire that rested on those gathered in the room can now ignite the power of God within us, and that power is nothing less than the Presence of the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in us. We do not see it happen, but we know that it has happened. We know because at the moment we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, the sinful self, the old heart and mind are rendered powerless as we are baptized into Jesus death. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit we were raised with Him in newness of life we are a son of God a new creature and a new creation for whom old things are passing away, and for whom, by the power of God, ALL things are becoming new (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). The baptism by the Holy Spirit that is from Jesus has sent the wind and the tongues of fire upon us, and there is no doubt in our minds that we are sons of God. We have the witness of the Holy Spirit in our lives the old has gone and ALL things have become new. Let us know that all things will increase because God will continue to transform us into the likeness of Christ because for a son of God, there can be no other way. It is the work that God does in us so that we may enter the kingdom of God, and it is the equipping that He does in us so that we may be useful in His Kingdom. Let us ask our Father to teach us more and more what it means to be His son in His Kingdom, and let us never cease to ask our Father to make His Word incarnate in us so that we, too, can be a son in whom the Word of God has become incarnate. Then let us go forward, forgetting what is behind us, and straining toward what is ahead because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God And by Him, we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God s children (Romans 8:14-16 with Philippians 3:13). This is abundant life. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Public Ministry Begins: Beginnings of the Gospel Baptism of Jesus: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-23 6
Memory verse: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ, died for us (Romans 5:8). Day 1: Read the notes. 1. What was helpful to you from the lecture or the notes? 2. What was helpful to you from your discussion time? Day 2: Read Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-23. 3. What were the first words spoken by Jesus when He began His public ministry? 4. What do you learn about righteousness in the following verses: Genesis 15:1-6 with James 2:14-26 Luke 18:9-14 with Philippians 3:2-6 Ephesians 4:17-24 with 1 Peter 4:12-19 5. Question for reflection: Read Acts 1:7-9 with Titus 3:4-7. What were the last words spoken by Jesus at the end of His public ministry, and can you see any way the verses in Acts and Titus help explain Jesus first words as He began His public ministry? 6. Read Matthew 25:37-43. What happens as a result of the righteousness we receive by faith? Day 3: Reread Matthew 3:16-17 with Matthew 17:1-9. 7. What do you learn about Jesus relationship with His Father from the following verses? 7
a. John 14:8-11 b. John 17:20-24 8. Read John 10:17-18, John 14:31 and John 15:9-10. What did you learn in each of these passages? 9. Question for thought. From Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 4:1, and Matthew 17:9, why do you think God spoke audibly on these two particular occasions? 10. Read John 4:34. How do you think Jesus understanding of His Father s love for Him affected His obedience to Him? Day 4: Memorize our verse for the week: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ, died for us (Romans 5:8). 11. Combing our memory verse with what you learned in question 7, write what you think Christ s death cost God? 12. Read Romans 8:35-39. a. What do you learn about God s love for us? b. From verse 39, why do you think the phrase that is in Christ Jesus our Lord was added? c. Can you think of a time when you have experienced God s love in a situation such as the ones listed in verse 35? 13. Read Ephesians 3:14-20 and answer these three very important questions. 8
a. What do you think it means to be rooted and established in love? b. Since verse 19 says that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. from verses 14-20, what role does prayer have in your being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God? c. What do you think will happen when you are filled to the measure of all the fullness of God as He does immeasurably more in you than you can hope or imagine? 14. After answering the questions in today s homework, what does our memory verse mean to you? Day 5: Read 1 John 3:1-3. 15. From verse 1, what have we gained because of God s love which He lavished on us? 16. Read 2 Peter 1:3-4. From verse 4, what has God given us that allow us to participate in His divine nature? 17. Read each of the following verses and list what God has promised us. Romans 5:5 Romans 8:29 2 Corinthians 3:18 Philippians 1:6 9
Philippians 2:13 1 John 5:3-5 1 John 3:9 with 1 John 5:18 Jude 24-25 Day 6: Please go back and carefully reread the verses listed in question 17. 18. Take your answers to question 17 and list promises that you either don t believe or that you have changed the meaning to fit with your experience or the experiences of others. 19. What do you think the verses in questions 15-17 have to do with the love God has for those who are His sons? 20. What would you think about His love for us if He saved us and left us in the condition in which He found us? 21. Starting today, please begin to pray a passage a day from question 17 for all the sons of God. 10