THE WONDER OF HIS BAPTISM
MATTHEW 3:13-17
INTRODUCTION TO SERIES:
Today we are starting a new series of messages entitled, “the wonder of it all.” Between now and the Sunday after Easter I want us to look at 8 incidents in the life of Jesus that demonstrate the wonder of His existence while He was here on earth. The incidents we’ve chosen are ones that will give us insight into His character and His priorities. My hope and prayer for this series is two-fold: (1)That through our study you will grow to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for who Jesus is; and (2) That you will be inspired to follow in His footsteps. 1 Peter 2:21 will be a theme verse for us throughout this series. It reads: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” It is Christ’s example that we want to see in these next few weeks and I can think of no better way to live then to resolve to follow in the very footsteps of Christ. PRAY
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON:
The incident I want to begin with is Jesus’ baptism. Jesus being immersed in the Jordan river by John clearly demonstrates Jesus’ devotion and priority of doing God’s will. Now you might think of the cross first when thinking of Jesus submission to God and surely He said then, “Not my will but Yours be done..” But here at the beginning of our study and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is the first and a primary example of His complete devotion to what God desires of Him.
Vs:13 - “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” Now, if you came today thinking this message was going to primarily deal with baptism you may be disappointed. I don’t want us to study “baptism” per se, as much as I want us to see Jesus’ commitment level and how we can aspire to it. But just so there is no confusion let me quickly state what we as a church believe about water baptism.
(1) We believe water baptism is a requirement not an option. Jesus Christ Himself said in Mk. 16- “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” In Matt. 28:19 He said to those who would be telling others about Him. “..go and make disciples (learners, followers) baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Now, that’s Jesus Christ talking.. We have no right to make optional what He commands. And those who were the first to hear that command followed through on it and anyone who came to accept Jesus as Savior was baptized. (2) We believe that the candidate for Baptism is to be a believer, someone who can make their own decision, not an infant. Jesus spoke of believers & disciples when He described those to be baptized. So we do not baptize babies here at M.C.C. but, just as those who were baptized in the N.T., we baptize those who make their own decision to do so. (3) We believe the mode, or the way people should be baptized, is by immersion not sprinkling. The word God chose in the original language for “Baptize” is the word meaning “to submerge” or “put under.” When you read about baptisms in Scripture you see such phrases as “they went down into the water and came up out of the water, or “being buried in baptism.” Immersion fits that picture best. (4) The reason we are baptized is to follow the example & requirement of Christ not because we believe baptism saves you! Now, I must tell you that there are scriptures that make a strong link between baptism and cleansing of sin. Mark 1:4 tells us that “John came, baptizing in the desert regions and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” In Acts 22:16 when Paul believed, Ananias, his teacher, said to him, “And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away.” However, it is very important that you understand that baptism by itself does nothing for you. Baptism must follow a change of heart. Maybe you have heard of the Russian born comedian Yakov Smirnoff. In his book, America on 6 Rubels a Day, he writes: “Coming from the Soviet Union I was not prepared for the incredible variety of products in American grocery stores. While on my first shopping trip I saw powdered milk. You just add water, you get milk. Then I saw powdered orange juice.. You just add water, you get orange juice. Then I discovered powdered gelatin, you just add water and you get Jell-O. Then I discovered, baby powder! And I thought, ‘What a country!” Now, there are some who think that you just add water to a sinner and you get a Christian. But Scripture makes it very clear that being forgiven or cleansed from sins involves much more than just getting wet. We are forgiven of our sins by putting our faith in Jesus Christ and being obedient to Him as Lord. Is baptism a requirement of Jesus Christ? Yes.. Just as are belief, repentance, confession. Baptism is required, but there is nothing magical in the water! That’s why 1 Peter 3:21 “..baptism (that) now saves you also- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.“
So, here’s an interesting question about Jesus’ baptism. If John was baptizing for repentance and forgiveness of sins, which Mark 1:4 says he was, why did Jesus come to be baptized? After all, He was perfect, He had no sin to repent of, He had no impure heart to change. Interestingly, John wondered the same thing.. Vs:14- “But John tried to deter Him saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’” But listen very carefully to Jesus’ reply. Vs:15- “..Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” I.e., “this is the right thing to do.” Jesus did not need, like you and I, to repent of His sins. Heb. 4:15- “..He was tempted in every way just as we are, but was without sin.” So, why since He didn’t need to repent was He baptized? Because He needed to demonstrate His obedience and submission to God. He was baptized to give an example and pattern to you & me. So, while I’ve spent a few minutes on what we believe about baptism this message is primarily about following in the very footsteps of Jesus and demonstrate our commitment to God.. in every action and moment of our lives. Let’s see what Jesus’ baptism meant in that regard.
I. A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO GOD:
First, Jesus’ baptism was a pledge of allegiance to His heavenly Father. You know, ceremonies are often used to demonstrate new loyalty. When you became a scout or join a fraternity or sorority, or a service club, you usually go through a ritual of some sort to pledge loyalty to that organization. When I was ordained to be a preacher, I went through a ceremony in which I stood before the people of my home church and pledged that I would be loyal to preaching the Word of God. When we get married we go through a ceremony that pledges that we are going to be faithful to our mate. Now, why do we do that? You don’t have to. It can be very simple and inexpensive to get married. You can go up to the courthouse, stand before a court clerk- They’ll ask, “Do you take this man? Do you take this woman?” “Yes.” “Okay, sign here..” And you sign the marriage license and it’s done. Why go through all the hours of preparation and expense when you can do it in just a couple of moments? Someone said the reason the preacher takes so long in a normal wedding ceremony is so the father of the bride thinks he’s getting his money’s worth. But why do we go to all that time & expense? Because it is such an important event in our life. The ceremony is a means of announcing the significance of that new relationship and a pledge of our loyalty, not just to each other, but to our friends, relatives and God.
Well, baptism was Jesus’ pledge of loyalty to His Father. John the Baptist was attracting huge crowds with his sermons, preaching “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”He was requiring that repentant people be completely immersed in water as a symbol that they were turning from their sin. When Jesus came he didn’t need to turn from sin but He wanted to pledge His loyalty to God. To demonstrate God’s pleasure with this act, two things happened when Jesus came up out of the water. Vs:16 tells us that “At that moment the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him.” And God audibly says in vs:17: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Did you notice that all 3 persons of the trinity were present at this moment? Jesus, the Son, physically, the Spirit symbolically, in the form of a dove, and God the Father, audibly. Jesus did this as He says in vs:15, “..to fulfill all righteousness,.”Which literally means He was conforming to God’s will, He was being obedient to God’s command.
Baptism is a pledge of allegiance to God for us too. The last command before Jesus went back to heaven was “Go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” For many, who learn about Christ under a teaching like ours, baptism is a part of the beginning pledge of loyalty. For others, who did not at first, see the biblical connection of baptism as a believer, it is a pledge that is made later in their walk. But whenever we understand that baptism is a command of God we need to do it in order to demonstrate our loyalty.. When we are baptized we are giving a pledge of allegiance to Him.. We are saying, “I have made my decision. Jesus Christ is my Savior and Lord. From this point on I pledge to put Him first.” Now that’s an awesome pledge. Baptism is to be a personal, calculated decision.. Because, just like for Jesus, it is a pledge of loyalty to God.
II. A TESTIMONY OF TRANSITION IN HIS LIFE:
Secondly, Jesus baptism was a testimony of transition in His life. The act of Jesus’ baptism announced His change of purpose. Up until this time the events of Jesus’ life are very sketchy. We just do not have much information about His first 30 years of life. Oh, we know about His birth, we know when He was 12, according to Lk. 2:21-52 that He stayed behind in Jerusalem to teach in the temple.. much to the chagrin of Mary and Joseph. But we really don’t know too much. Have you ever wondered, what Jesus’ life was like in that first 30 years? What was He doing? Well, it is only conjecture of course, but I think He was growing up in a Godly home, He was learning a trade.. I love that scene in “Ben-Hur” when Judah Ben-Hur is led on a Roman chain-gang through Nazareth. It shows Jesus sawing at a work bench and then leaving the carpentry shop to help give the prisoners water. Jesus was a carpenter.. I think He went through pretty normal childhood experiences, struggled with normal temptations. But I also agree with those who believe that Joseph died sometime after Jesus was 12. After the trip to Jerusalem we do not hear of Joseph again. If that is true then, being the oldest Son, Jesus had a heavy responsibility placed on Him- He had to take over the business, provide for the family.. But now at 30 years of age He could turn the business over to His brothers and begin His real mission... His ministry. Before this point we have no record of any miracles or any official sermon. And Jesus baptism now announces that transition. Lk. 3:23- “Now Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry.” The carpenter’s tools were put aside, He was officially declaring to be a messenger from God. And when John the Baptist introduced Him, he didn’t say, “Here’s Jesus of Nazareth the carpenter.” He said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.” Baptism was Jesus’ benchmark of transition. And our baptism should mean a transition of purpose too. 2 Cor. 5:17 says that when we come to Christ we are “a new creation, the old has past, the new has come.”
Baptism represents signifies a transition in our life too.. There are several changes that should happen. (1) One, that I had not thought of when I did the outline is that there is a change in physical appearance.. Certainly everyone’s physical appearances changes at baptism.. You go down dry, you come up wet. But the commitment symbolized there ought to flow to other changes in our physical appearances. For example, what we wear. The worldly person dresses provocatively, the Christian dresses modestly. There is something inconsistent when a person claims to be a Christian but they do their best to emulate the hottest, sexiest or rebellious fashions of the world. Now, I know a person is so much more than what they wear but sometimes our clothing, jewelry, make-up.. Reflect our attitude and our allegiance.
1 Tim. 2:9 says we are to - “..dress modestly, with decency and propriety..” Now, I’m not saying that you have to dress like it’s1925, but someone who has made a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord ought to be different than the world. The world tries to stimulate lust and entice, Christians try to stimulate purity and to look at the character of a person. (2) Our baptism also reflects a change in our mental approach. What do you read? Things that strengthen your Christian walk? What do you watch? Things that promote Christian values? Or predominately movies, soaps, and TV shows that put impure thoughts in your mind? What do you listen to? Music that reminds you of your allegiance to Christ or lyrics that talk about immorality, greed and destruction? Ask yourself, “If someone looked at the books I read, the movies or shows I watch, the music I listen to.. Could they tell I was a committed follower of Christ?” (3) Our baptism should also reflect a change in our emotional attitude too. The world promotes attitudes of criticism and challenges authority. Someone who comes to Christ is to have an attitude that is positive and is submissive. There is a real inconsistency in someone who says they follow Christ and yet are negative, sour and derogatory. And that inconsistency can cause some not to come to Christ! (4) But most importantly our baptism reflects a change in our spiritual aspirations. No longer is this world, and what it has to offer the most important thing. I think one of the reasons that God requires immersion as the mode of baptism is because of the spiritual change it represents. Rom. 6 tells us that we are “buried with Christ through baptism ” i.e. we are covered over. It also says we are “raised with Him in the likeness of His resurrection.” We break through that water spiritually new. Dr. Buford Bryant said, “The baptistry is both a tomb and a womb. It is tomb where we die to the old person. A womb where we are born into the family of God.”
Please understand, I want everyone here, in fact, everyone to come to Christ. But this is a serious decision. There is a commitment that God requires here. We are to be different! In our physical appearance, our mental approach to life, our emotional attitude and most of all there ought to be a difference in your understanding of your relationship to Christ and your behavior. Gal. 3:27- “For all of you who have been baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.” William T. Barker tells about a machinist that worked at the Ford motor company after it had been first started in Detroit. This machinist over the next few years “borrowed” various tools and parts from the company, which he had never returned. While this practice was not condoned it was more or less tolerated by the management because they all did the same thing. This machinist however yielded his life to Christ and was baptized and took the change seriously! The very next morning he arrived at work loaded down with all the tools and parts he had taken from the company. He explained to the foreman that he had taken these things, that he knew it was wrong and he hoped he’d be forgiven and explained about his conversion. The foreman was so impressed that he cables Henry Ford himself, who was visiting a new European plant, and explained the whole situation in detail. Immediately Henry Ford cabled back: “Do this at once. Damn up the Detroit river and Baptize the entire city!” Listen, when you come, or when you came to Christ, there was a change that was supposed to take place.. One that results in a transition of life!
III. A DEMONSTRATION OF HUMBLE SERVANTHOOD TO MAN:
So, Jesus’ baptism demonstrates His pledge of allegiance to God, His testimony of transition in His life and finally, His baptism demonstrated humble servanthood to man. Jesus’ humility is clearly seen in this act. Jesus walked 60 miles to be baptized by John. When He got there and saw John dunking people in the water. He could of said,“I don’t need that! I grew up a good boy, I went to the synagogue every Saturday. Now, I’m 30 years old - being baptized doesn’t make sense now and it would be embarrassing.” But Jesus didn’t come to strut. He didn’t come to be served but to serve. So He waded out into the river and allowed John the Baptist to put Him under the water and the Son of God came up and His hair was all wet- His clothes were matted to His body. And God said... “This is my Son.. I am well pleased.”
Jesus’ then continued to demonstrate His servanthood His whole life. When you go through the Gospels you can’t help but see how willingly and humbly He served. He associated with sinners even though the religious leaders found that repulsive. He touched lepers even though the people found that to be unclean. And He washed dirty feet even though His friends, in their pride, didn’t think of it. And our commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives should demonstrate a releasing of our pride and an embracing of humble service. Yes I know it is humbling to be immersed in water.. not humiliating but humbling.. You can’t even baptize yourself, it’s a passive act where someone must do it to you. The fact that it is humbling is one of the primary reasons people object to it. All our lives we work at developing a certain dignity about us. We learn how to walk and dress and speak so that other people will be impressed. We learn that certain mannerisms damage our image so we avoid them. From birth we’ve been taught to protect our pride - to preserve our dignity - to be aware of what others think of us. Yet here comes a man in Jesus Christ that says things like “The greatest among you must be the servant of all.” And a Bible that tells us three different times that “God opposes the proud but He gives grace to the humble.”
Bob Russell, a minister in Kentucky, tells of the time he went golfing in Hawaii. He said he came to a hole that puts fear into any golfer with a slice. Water on the left? No, worse.. A busy street. Over & over he told himself, “don’t slice the ball.” You know what he did? Yep.. Sliced the ball into the street and right toward an oncoming Royals Royce! Somehow the ball missed the car, bounced in front of it and landed in a yard. It was bad enough that he was going to have to take a 2 stroke penalty but then the car stopped and the driver got out and was laughing! And then he went over and stood by Bob’s ball and waited for him! Bob walked over just knowing he was going to get chewed out. Instead when he got there the man said, “You know, just as we were driving down through here I was telling my friends in the car that I had played golf here yesterday and on this hole I hit a ball across the road and almost hit a car and they were riding me unmercifully and when you did it, I was so thankful! It made me feel so much better.” And Bob said, “There stood the 2 of us, never met each other before, standing with our hands on each other’s shoulders - laughing!”Then Bob said, “You know, there he was, probably a multi-millionaire, living in Hawaii, but the thing that brought us together was not our accomplishments or great feats, but our failure and enough humility to admit it.” And I thought - that’s it! As fellow travelers through this life we are not united by achievement, we’re brought together by our failure - our sin before God. And because of that we are united in humility - and willing to come to Jesus and serve each other in the name of Christ. You see, becoming a Christian begins by humbly coming to Christ and saying, “Lord, I am a sinner and I know I can only be saved by You!” And then following Christ requires a continued life of submission. Jesus said in Matt. 20 that we are not to look to lord over others but to make Him Lord and in so doing be a slave to the One who “did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.”
I heard the true story the other day of a grandmother who was going to be baptized and her whole family was there to watch. They had tried to tell the 6 year old grandson what was happening, how Grandma was dying to sin and being baptized into Christ and so as they waited for Grandma to come out the 6 year old looked around and then leaned over and whispered to his dad, “Daddy, how are they ever going to get Mee-Ma up on that cross?” The great news is we don’t have to go to the cross. Thanks be to God! Jesus did that for us. But there is a sense in which, when we were baptized, we did go to the cross with Him. Paul says in Rom. 6- “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism.. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that.. We would no longer be slaves to sin.” Jesus walked for days to be baptized by John.. demonstrating His allegiance to God, His transition of purpose and His humble servanthood. No wonder God said, “This is my Son.. With whom I am well pleased.”
