This is the second post in a series titled “Messiah” adapted from a sermon series on the Gospel of Matthew preached at First Baptist Sulphur Springs, TX. This series follows an Advent sermon series you can watch here (click link).
Jesus aligned with us so we can align with God
In the previous post, John the Baptist announced the approaching kingdom of heaven and prepared us for one who would show up in the Holy Spirit and with fire. You might have expected a military conqueror on horseback, a warrior letting out a battle cry, or even the dramatic entrance of another prophet like John himself.
Yet, we get “Then Jesus arrived from Galilee” in Matthew 3:13. Jesus shows up in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. He shows up in humility.
Jesus surprised John by getting in the baptismal line like one of crowd. Why does the Messiah want to be baptized by his forerunner? You would be wrong to conclude that Jesus needed conversion and purification. John dismissed this possibility because he knows Jesus’ identity: “I need to be baptized you, and do you come to me?” As will be proven over and over in the gospel, Jesus is the sinless son of God.
Jesus’ baptism has far more significance than all the other baptisms. It has so much significance that it’s one of those stories told by all four gospels. This is the beginning of the ministry that will forever restore the relationship between God and his people. Salvation as prophesied in the Old Testament is now being fulfilled with the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry and the arrival of the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus’ earthly ministry was an act of complete faithfulness to God, the Father. Righteousness is the demand of God for us to live according to his will, but there is an added salvation implication since Jesus is the one fulfilling this righteousness. Jesus prepares the way for salvation.
As Jesus goes into the waters of baptism, he identified with people in their need. He identified with sinful humanity he came to save. Jesus could have stood with John the Baptist and called the sinners to repent. Instead, though sinless, Jesus entered the water with the sinners.
Jesus took on flesh, was baptized, was tempted, was tested, was crucified, was resurrected all – that sinners like you and me could live in relationship with a holy God. He showed the way. He prepared our salvation.
The God we serve is three in one
Matthew 3:13-17 provides an important theology framework of understanding God. This passage details God as Trinity.
First Baptist Sulphur Springs’ statement on the Trinity:
The God we serve is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – three in one and one in three:
We believe that God the Father reigns with providential care over humans and human history. He is our Creator and Provider: a great and mighty God, sovereign over all.
We believe that God the Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of the world. He is our Lord and Master: a gracious and loving redeemer, fully human and fully divine.
We believe that God the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, calls people to the Savior, and bestows spiritual gifts. He is our Comforter and Guide: a convicting and enabling presence.
We believe that the Holy Trinity is the only full expression of the One True God.
In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus was in the water, the Spirit descended upon the Son, and the Father affirmed the son with the bold and proud declaration: “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased!” This will carry Jesus into his earthly ministry. Yet, these words weren’t just for Jesus to hear, but for everyone standing near the water. And for those reading of it many years later.
Baptism is a symbol of a life lived with Jesus as king.
Matthew narrates Jesus’ ministry as the inauguration of the kingdom of heaven. As people encounter Jesus they are freed from bondage of sin, healed of diseases, delivered of evil spirits, and shown eternal life.
Yet, across the gospel, Matthew clarifies that the kingdom is an “already but not fully” reality.
The kingdom of heaven arrived with the advent of Jesus, but it will reach its apex in a day to come. God’s people live in a state of tension between the already, the blessings we have in Jesus, and the not fully, the final glory we will share at Jesus’ second coming.
On one hand, we pray as Jesus instructed,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6:10
On the other hand, we await the day heaven comes to earth,
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:1-4
Jesus brings the kingdom of heaven. How do we respond?
Last week, we answered repent. Today, we answer be baptized.
First, baptism is an act of submission. We no longer follow our own will but the will of God and in the footsteps of our Savior.
Second, baptism is symbolic act of eternal life. As we rise from the water, we foreshadow the day we will rise from the grave.
Third, baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus commanded us to baptize every person who becomes his disciple.
Fourth, baptism is an act of witness. Through baptism, we tell others of our new life in Jesus.
Conclusion
Last year 42 people entered the baptistry at First Baptist Sulphur Springs. That means 42 people confessed Jesus as Lord and proclaimed they would follow him all the days of their life. Are you next?
Do you attempt to sit on the throne of your life? How is that working out for you? Jesus is king.
Do you feel convicted of sin? Try to make up for it? How is that working out for you? Jesus is king.
Do you want eternal life? Think you can achieve it through good deeds? How is that working out for you? Jesus is king.
Get off the throne of your life. Let Jesus sit in his rightful place.
Jeff Gravens 