Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Introduction: John baptized in the Jordan River just north of the Dead Sea. The Jordan was at its deepest and afforded plenty of water to immerse his candidates. John did not baptize all who came. He refused to baptize the Pharisees and Sadducees, instructing them first to repent. In our text Jesus came.

I. Jesus coming to John the Baptist. Verse 13

A. Up to this point Jesus had occupied His time with carpentry work at Nazareth, put now He comes

to Judea.

B. He came specifically to be baptized by John.

C. He walked about fifty or sixty miles one way.

II. John’s reaction to Jesus. Verses 14-15

A. John refused to baptize Him. (Rather surprising).

B. John had refused to baptize the Pharisees and Sadducees because they were unworthy; he refused

to baptize Jesus because he himself was unworthy. (He did not at this time know that Jesus was

the Christ, but he did know that Jesus was more worthy than he).

C. It was only by persuasion that he agreed.

1. Jesus pointed out that good would be accomplished.

2. Thus it was God’s will.

III. The actual baptism. Verses 16-17

A. John immersed Jesus in the Jordan. (baptizw)

B. When Jesus came up the Holy Spirit came down.

1. John had been waiting for this to happen;

it was a sign from God that this is the Christ, John 1:33.

2. John must have felt like shouting.

C. God the Father spoke from heaven. (He wanted John to be doubly sure that Jesus is the Christ).

IV. Some lessons we should learn.

A. That Jesus is the Christ. (The Seed of Abraham, the heir to David’s throne, the Son of God).

B. That there are three persons in the God-head. (One was baptized, one came down, one spoke).

C. That scriptural baptism is by immersion.

D. That baptism is important.

E. That baptism is not necessary in order to become a child of God.

F. That the purpose of baptism is to help identify one as a son of God.

G. That it is important to go to one properly authorized to baptize.

1. Then, John was the only one authorized.

2. Now, only a New Testament church is authorized.

Conclusion: 1. Have you recognized Jesus as the Christ?

2. Have you repented and trusted Jesus for salvation?

3. Have you been scripturally baptized?

Preached at Pleasant Hill 2-7-82 A.M.

Preached at University Missionary Baptist Church 10-10-01 P.M. (Wednesday)