Introduction

Good morning, dear family of God, gathered here today in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to see each of your faces, shining with the light of His love and grace. It's a joy to be in fellowship with you, as we open our hearts and minds to the Word of God, seeking His wisdom, His guidance, and His comfort.

Today, we're going to be looking at a familiar passage from Matthew 3:13-17. Let's read it together now, "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

This passage paints a vivid picture of a momentous occasion, a pivotal point in the life of our Savior. It's a moment that not only marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry but also reveals the profound depths of the Father's love for His Son. But why did Jesus make His way to John the Baptist? And what can we learn from His actions?

As we embark on this spiritual investigation, let us remember the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." Our ultimate source of truth and wisdom is the Word of God, and it's in this divine text that we find the answers to our questions.

We will also consider the mysterious wisemen who undertook a search for God, a search that led them to a humble stable in Bethlehem. What drove these men to seek the Messiah? And what can their search teach us about our own spiritual pursuits?

Finally, we will reflect on the meaning and significance of these spiritual quests. How do they shape our understanding of God, of faith, and of our place in God's grand narrative?

As we embark on this spiritual investigation, let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we open our hearts and minds to Your truth today, we pray that You would guide us, teach us, and transform us. Help us to see Your love and grace in every word, every verse, and every story. And may the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let's get started, dear friends. We have much to learn and much to celebrate as we delve into the richness of God's Word together.

Motivations for the Journey to John the Baptist

As we consider the passage from Matthew, we see Jesus making a conscious decision to seek out John the Baptist. He leaves Galilee and travels to the Jordan, a significant distance, with a specific purpose in mind. This wasn't a casual trip or a spontaneous decision. It was a deliberate action, taken with full awareness of its implications.

Jesus, the Son of God, didn't need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. He was sinless, the spotless Lamb of God. Yet, He chose to be baptized. This act wasn't about personal need. It was about fulfilling all righteousness, as Jesus Himself said. It was about identifying with us, with our need for repentance and forgiveness. He was setting an example for us to follow.

This act of Jesus also shows His humility. He, the Creator of the universe, submits to the baptism of John, a mere man. He doesn't assert His divine authority or demand special treatment. Instead, He humbles Himself, taking the form of a servant. This humility is a key aspect of Jesus' character, a trait that we, as His followers, are called to emulate.

In addition, Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry. From this moment on, Jesus steps into the public eye, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. His baptism is a sort of commissioning, a divine endorsement of His mission. The voice from heaven confirms His identity as the Son of God and expresses the Father's pleasure in Him.

Furthermore, Jesus' baptism is a powerful demonstration of the Trinity. We see the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice from heaven. This is one of the few instances in the Bible where all three Persons of the Trinity are manifested simultaneously. It's a profound mystery, a glimpse into the divine nature of God.

In all of this we see His deliberate intentionality, His humility, His obedience to the Father's will, and His role in the divine plan of salvation. These insights not only enrich our knowledge of Jesus but also guide us in our own spiritual walk. As we follow Jesus, we too are called to be intentional, humble, obedient, and mindful of our part in God's plan.

Application questions. This passage also challenges us to consider our own motivations. Why do we do the things we do? Are we driven by self-interest, or are we motivated by a desire to please God and serve others? Are we willing to humble ourselves, to take the form of a servant, to identify with those in need? Are we ready to step out in faith, to embark on the mission God has for us, even if it means stepping into the public eye or facing opposition?

Transition. Jesus' journey to John the Baptist is a rich and multifaceted event, full of profound implications for our own spiritual journey. As we ponder this passage, let's ask God to reveal its truths to us, to shape us into the image of His Son, and to guide us in our own journey of faith.

Mysteries Surrounding the Wisemen's Search for God

As we shift our focus from the banks of the Jordan to the starlit paths of the East, we find ourselves in the company of the Magi ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO