This Is The Son Of God Series

This is the Son of God - John 1:29-34

Intro. It is worth noting, that so far in this first chapter there have been many names of our Lord revealed. The Word, the Light, Jesus Christ, only begotten Son, and the Christ are in the first 28 verses. In our text tonight, there are two more names.

I. The Act of Preparation - vs. 31 The Baptism of Jesus - Matthew, Mark and Luke record the baptism of Christ. John does not, he records the confession of John at a time after the baptism. But the baptism is implied here, and is important to note.

Baptism is a physical act representing internal cleansing. Now a man in camel's hair is preaching against the organized legalism of the day and calling for them to repent.

John was instructed to Baptize.

A. A Baptism of Preparation of the Heart - the Confession of Sin - Mt. 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. A repentance, a turning from the corrupt idea that religion could save, was necessary. In vs. 7 of the same chapter, John the Baptist called the Pharisees and Sadducees a "generation of vipers." A generation of evil.

B. A Baptism of Preparation for the King - John knew his baptism was only a bridge, the forerunning. Mt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

1. Confession and Repentance

2. Being fit for the arrival of the King.

II. The Affirmation of Christ's Deity - vs. 32-34

Many would ask why Christ was baptized. Christ had not sinned. He had no need of repentance.

A. The Prevention of John - Mt. 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

1. He had been given proof of Christ's Authenticity as the Messiah

2. He knew the Lord was Sinless (I need to be baptized of you.)

B. The Persuasion of Christ - Mt. 3:15 - to fulfill righteousness - That is, Christ was saying to establish that which is righteous - Jesus established this ordinance.

1. Jesus would be baptized to set the ordinance of obedience to His followers

(Just like the Lord's supper)

2. Jesus would be baptized to show the express proofs from heaven

Mt. 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

3. Jesus would be baptized to signify the entrance of His ministry

The ministry of Christ was US. In baptism, he identified Himself with sinners.

By baptism, He did begin his earthly ministry - but it showed His eternal ministry - He identified with sinners to save.

4. Jesus would be baptized to symbolize His own death, burial and resurrection that would come.

And though John the Baptist tried to persuade him otherwise, Jesus followed through with the plan of God.

C. The Proof at the Baptism

1. There was an Earthly relation

- Mary and Elisabeth (John's mother) were cousins, probably on their mother's side. Mary went to see her after she was expecting with Christ. But we have no proof Christ and John grew up together.

- They could have met at a meeting in Jerusalem, but no proof.

- But John declared - Twice - "I knew him not" or I did not know he was the Messiah.

2. There was an Exact revelation - John had been told by God - vs. 33

- Jesus was proven with signs and wonders to be the Messiah at His baptism.

- The baptism was the ultimate sign - John would know that Christ was the Messiah.