Seek First; Step One
Matthew 3:13-17
I. The Coronation vs.13 a ceremony marking the investment of a monarch with regal power through, amongst other symbolic acts, the placement of a Crown upon his or her head. Where the monarch is anointed.
A. Why did a sinless Jesus have to be baptized?
1. Jewish Baptism
Baptism is not a new concept originating with Christianity. Rather it’s and ancient and essential element in the Jewish faith as well. Immersion in water for ritual purification was established for restoration to a condition of "ritual purity" in specific circumstances. For example, Jews who (according to the Law of Moses) became ritually "defiled" by contact with a corpse had to use the mikvah before being allowed to participate in the Holy Temple. Immersion is required for converts to Judaism as part of their conversion. Through practices such as these, immersion in the mikvah represents purification and restoration, and qualification for full religious participation in the life of the community.
In ancient Jewish culture, even before Christ comes on the scene, baptism is very important. The Jews were set apart by God. They were God’s holy people. When a gentile…someone who wasn’t a Jew…wished to convert to Judaism and become one with the Jewish people he/she was baptized to signify a transition had taken place. They were no longer what they used to be, but they were a new person…they were now identified with the Jews.
So along with ritual purity, the baptism practiced by the Jews was for the purpose of identifying people with the Jewish faith and people.
2. John’s Baptism
Enter John the Baptist. John was Jesus’ cousin and was the fulfillment of the scripture that a prophet in the style of Elijah would appear and preach repentance when the Messiah was to come.
John was preaching a call to repentance…a returning to God and God’s original destiny for the Jews…that they would be his chosen people RE-PRESENTING him to the world/nations around them.
John called for people to repent (turn around and change directions) of their sins and to be symbolically purified through baptism
3. The Baptism of Jesus
If John was preaching a baptism of repentance, then why Jesus was baptized. He had no sin; he was the Son of God. Why would he need to be baptized? Before we delve into that, let’s look at Matthew’s account of the baptism of Jesus.
What was the point? Why would Jesus choose to be baptized? He didn’t need to repent. He didn’t need the symbolic act of being cleansed from sin – he was without sin. He didn’t need to identify with God – he was God. So why did Jesus come to be baptized by John the Baptist?
When Jesus came to the river to be baptized by John it was a powerful moment in. John has been preaching and baptizing a baptism of repentance from sin. Jesus had no sin, but as he is preparing to begin his ministry he chooses to identify with us. He comes and is baptized by John as a way of identifying with those he came to save, those who were not connected with God…US.
Jesus allowed himself to be baptized…in fact he insisted upon it, so that he could identify with us…and yet he was without sin. His baptism wasn’t for the purpose of repenting of sin. Vs 14
II. The Confrontation Vs. 14-15
A. God’s way does not have to make sense
1. John did not understand why, he had to comply! vs. 14
B. Whose will prevails?
1. When the Lord makes His will clear to us we should renounce Our will and conform to His.” then he suffered Him” vs. 15
2. Part of this ceremony is someone (satan) always confronts you not to follow through on God’s plan!
III. The Compliance (following through on request/demand)
A. His compliance fulfilled the law
1. Identified with sinful man, we can never say to Jesus He doesn’t understand...
B. His compliance allowed for a miracle that would not have happened
otherwise (look at second part of vs. 16)
1. the dove- Genesis 1:2
1. earth in chaos
2. darkness covered earth
3. Spirit hovering (like a dove) over face of the waters
4. God-Elohiem- present at creation
2. like a dove in
1. in His purity
2. in His gentleness
3. in His harmlessness
4. in His love
IV. The Completion of the Coronation Vs 17
A. the ceremony ends with a solemn proclamation of the style
and title of the King (this is...)
1. the voice attests to divine satisfaction of Son
2. the voice attests to divine delight in Son
3. the voice attests to divine nature of Son
WHO DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH
1. SPORTS TEAM
2. SOCIAL ORDER OR CLUB
3. FAMILY OR SOCIETY
4. FUNDIMENTAL BELIEF SYSTEM
FIRST STEP IS;
1. ACCEPT JESUS AS SAVIOR
2. BELIEVERS BAPTISM
3. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
4. WEARING THE COLORS
