 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Meditation Christians are united with Christ in faith, buried with Christ “in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father, we too might walk in a newness of life” (Romans 6:1-5). The eternal love of God is revealed in Jesus’ baptism as the Father celebrates His beloved Son and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove (13-17). Union with Christ connects us with God’s eternal love (John 17:23-24) so much so that the Father’s words to Jesus are ours in Christ: You are God’s beloved child, and in Christ He is pleased with you. John’s baptism was one of repentance, a voice calling people to turn from other loves and return to the love of God. People came to confess sins as John prepared the way for Jesus (1-6). Pharisees and religious leaders came to condemn, not keeping fruit of repentance (7-10). Living out of performance and pedigree, people miss the power of God’s love. The Father sent the Son not to condemn the world but so the world will be saved through Him (John 3:16-17). Faith alone helps us see the fullness of God’s love in Christ. John baptized with water. Jesus baptizes with the Spirit (11-12). By God’s Spirit our adoption is sealed and we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15). And by God’s Spirit we walk in a newness of life, learning to live FROM the eternal love of our Father. Nothing can separate us from the love of God secured through union with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:28-39). Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you about the contrast between the Baptism of Jesus and John’s words to pharisees and religious leaders? -How does union with Christ secure us in God’s love to give us strength to walk in a newness of life? -How can you live FROM your identity as a child of God, secure in the love of our Father through the work of Christ? Be specific! Key Verse 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Comments are closed.
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