My Introduction To Ministry Lesson 3 Series

Note: All Scripture references in this lesson are from

The Bible by Jesus unless otherwise noted

A. MY DIVINE INTRODUCTION – MATTHEW 3:13-17

1. I, like Old Testament priests, began ministry. “I was about thirty years old when I began My ministry” (Luke 3:23; Numbers 4:3, 23, 30).

2. I sought God’s presence on My ministry. “I came to the Jordan to be baptized by John” (Matthew 3:13). When asked why he baptized, John answered, “The God in heaven gives each man the work he must do” (John 3:27).

3. John resisted. “John tried to pressure Me. “You need to baptize me, the Baptizer said” (Matthew 3:14). Jesus answered, “This is the right thing to do. This baptism will meet all the law’s demands” (Matthew 3:15).

4. How did Jesus receive authority? From the Holy Spirit. “Suddenly the heaven’s opened and I saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on Me” (Matthew 2:16). From the Heavenly Father. “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

B. MY FIRST WEEK OF MINISTRY

1. Day 1 – John the Baptizer argues with religious leaders (John 1:19-28).

2. Day 2 – I was baptized by John the Baptizer. “I didn’t know Jesus was to be the Messiah until I saw the Spirit come on Him like a dove” (John 1:32-33).

3. Day 3 – I called Andrew and John. “The next day . . . Andrew and John were following Me” (John 1:38-42). Each of these two got his brother.

4. Day 4 – I called Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-50). Jesus now has 6 disciples.

5. Day 7 – “On the seventh day after My baptism I was in Cana . . . at a marriage” (John 2:1).

a. Wedding feast. My mother put Me on the spot. “There is no wine” (John 2:3). I established My independent identity. “Why do you turn to Me?” (2:4). My timetable. “It is not time for Me to reveal who I am” (2:4).

b. Her response should be yours. “Do whatever He tells you” (2:5).

c. Symbolic end of the law. “Six water pots for purifying, according to Old Testament law” (2:6).

d. My first miracle happened as servants (obediently) carried water to the master of ceremony. “Fill . . . the brim with water . . . carried the water . . . when arrived water turned to wine” (2:7-9).

e. Quality and Quantity. “Each holds twenty to thirty gallons” (2:6). “Why have you kept back the best wine until now” (2:10).

C. MY INTEGRITY TESTED WITH FASTING AND TEMPTATION

1. The Holy Spirit was with Me. “I was led by the Spirit . . .” (Luke 4:1).

2. No one was with Me. “I was with the wild beast” (Mark 1:13).

3. What can you receive from fasting? Answers. “Only with prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:2). Directions. “While . . . fasting . . . the Holy Spirit said send” (Acts 13:2). His presence. “Paul ate and drank nothing” (Acts 9:4). “Instantly, Saul could see” (Acts 9:18).

4. When tempted by satan to eat. I quoted Scriptures. “Man shall not live by bread alone . . . but by . . . words . . . from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3).

5. When tempted, I let angels rescue Me. “He shall give His angels charge over you, they shall lift you up” (Matthew 4:6; Psalm 91:11).

6. When tempted to worship satan to get nations of the world. “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only” (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20).

7. Satan will always tempt. “The devil after fully tempting Me, left Me until another opportunity” (Luke 4:13).

“There was a serpent in the Garden of Eden

and Judas was present at the last supper.”

D. TAKE AWAY

1. My miracles produced faith. “My disciples believed in Me” (2:11).

2. This miracle. “Manifested My glory” (2:11). Not in celestial sparkle, but in who I was and what I could do.

3. Individuals more important than groups. “He didn’t begin with sermons to the masses, or spectacular miracles. “They knew not the source of the wine” (2:9, ELT).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.