July 15, Matthew 3
Matthew segued from a picture of Joseph, Mary and the young boy Jesus living in Nazareth to the adult Jesus coming to John for baptism. Jesus wasn’t alone in going out to the
wilderness to be baptized by John. The people from Jerusalem and all around the Jordan were flocking to hear the preacher who dressed like a prophet from the old times and preached the old prophets’ dominant theme to Israel: “Repent!”
John identified himself as the one Isaiah foresaw when he described himself as a voice from the wilderness preparing the way for Messiah. He mixed no words when he rebuked the religious elite and called them to genuine change to be fit for the coming kingdom. He told them it would do no good to claim kinship with Abraham and warned of fiery judgment for those who rejected the message.
John’s baptism was associated with repentance, turning away from sin and to God. When Jesus (who was sinless) came to the Jordan to be baptized, it was not about repentance, but a public identification with God’s messenger and purpose. As Jesus validated John’s ministry, the audible voice of God and the visible presence of the Holy Spirit attested to Jesus’ own identity.
The baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of his public life of preaching and calling disciples and working miracles to show he was who he claimed to be. When you and I submit to baptism in the name of Jesus, we are publicly identified with him and with his people. The New Testament connects baptism with faith and repentance, and with a confession of faith that Jesus is the Son of God. It is associated with the promises of the gospel—forgiveness of sins and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. The letters in the New Testament written to young Christians describe their baptism as being buried and raised to walk in a new life. That new life is in Christ. Baptism was commanded by Jesus and his apostles after Jesus was raised from the dead. As multitudes heard the gospel and placed their faith in Jesus, they were baptized in his name.
There’s a lot of confusion and debate about baptism among religious people, but the New Testament teaching about it is beautiful and encouraging. We who claim to follow Jesus should rejoice in the opportunity to be associated with him through this ancient ritual in which Jesus himself participated. It is not about working for salvation or earning anything by our obedience. It is about trusting, obeying and identifying with Jesus. It is inconsistent to name him as Lord, but refuse to obey this initial command given to those who would follow him.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide
for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—July 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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