Jesus’ Baptism

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased Matthew three seventeen. Dear Lord, we are struck with awe and wonder that you would choose us to redeem, love and empower. 00:00:23 Speaker 2: Through you. 00:00:24 Speaker 1: We have been given the approval of the Father, something we never would have earned on our own. Give us confidence in our identity. Make us unwavering in our resolve. We are children of God, adopted and cherished by the creator of the universe. These truths are wonderful and humbling. Foster in us a deep understanding of our purpose and calling. In light of these truths, give us strength to carry out your will and wisdom to discern your words from ours. At the end of it all, we're grateful, grateful that you would send your son to die for us, Grateful that we can be called your children, Grateful that this life isn't dull or meaningless, but filled with color and purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen, thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a new series on Jesus The Disruptor Gospel Stories where Jesus disrupted the status quo to establish something greater. If you aren't yet following the podcast, go ahead and do so on whatever platform your listening to. The air was frigid. As John paced back and forth along the Jordan River. He could barely see a few feet in front of him, though he found soulless in the gentle sounds of the water nearby. The sun had yet to rise over the hills, but despite a sleeping world around him, John was wide awake with vivid thoughts of the day ahead. His warm breath cast small wisps in front of him as his chest rose and fell slowly. His calm demeanor hid his racing heart and swirling thoughts. Over the past few weeks, John's life as a hermit had taken a sharp turn as he began to prepare the way for the Siah, the man he had always called cousin. For as long as he could remember, John believed the words of his mother telling him that Jesus was the anointed one. But now that that day grew closer for Jesus to enter the public eye, he was having difficulty connecting the idea of the boy from his childhood being the lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. But this was only a small obstacle in John's mind, a simple reframing of his perspective and preconceived notions. His mother had often recited the words of John's purpose to proclaim to the world that the Messiah had come. The promise spoken to his father by the angel Gabriel now resonated in John's heart and mind. As a child, he would sit with Jesus and dream of the day that they would get to fulfill their purpose. And now that time had finally come, then John could hardly believe it. John dipped his hand in a nearby stream and splashed it onto his face. The chilled evening air was already beginning to warm as dawn broke over the hills. 00:04:34 Speaker 3: Blessed I, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has carried me for my youth. You have sustained me in the wilderness. You have made my path straight and set my heart on a firm foundation. Give me strength now to fulfill the calling you have placed on my life. 00:04:55 Speaker 1: Though silence filled the black landscape, John sent the spirit's overwhelming presence surrounding him. Centuries ago the prophet Isaiah wrote the words, a voice of one calling in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him. And now, on a quiet morning in Galilee, the man of whom the prophet spoke was fulfilling those fairy words. Born in Judea in a respected Jewish family, and raised with a vigorous love for the Lord, John often called the Baptizer, spent his adult years in the tranquil solitude of the wilderness. He had made his home in the heart of God's glorious creation, the heavens above is Ruth. He had chosen to clothe himself in a simple garment of camelford, fastened around his waist with a belt. His hair grew in long, ragged tufts, and when he wasn't praying or preaching, he would make his meals of locust and wild honey. An unsuspecting onlooker might have mistakenly assumed his lifestyle was the result of a few loose marbles, but all of these moves were calculated. For the man who had dedicated himself to the Lord under the Nazarite vow, Each decision was a deliberate one, removing any unnecessary worries from his life, like the mending of clothes or preparation of meals, giving his full attention to serving the Lord. 00:07:01 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing. It's not your feet, it's your shoes. 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Join us as we begin a new mini series on Jesus, disrupting the status quo and showing us a way to live. This series showcases Jesus's teachings and passions, and we will learn about God's heart for people and for his kingdom. Today, we're going to dive into the waters of the Jordan River and explore the moment when Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist. This event, recorded in Matthew chapter three, is not just a simple dip in the water. It's a profound moment packed with meaning and relevance for us today. 00:08:59 Speaker 1: In what had become a usual day for John, lines had begun to form along the banks of the Jordan River. Despite the numbers, the people waited with bated breath in anticipation. Everyone wondered what the baptizer would preach today. John greeted them, then leapt into the water. The camel fur soaked through, leaving a stench that never bothered John. The crowd was too enthralled with his words to notice either. John's voice had a way of resonating it pulsed with the tides of the river flowing out of his mouth into the hearts of people. 00:09:44 Speaker 5: For generations, God's people have waited in faith for redemption. The heaviness and sin is weighed upon many hearts. The hands of our presses have grown strong, but our Lord has always proven himself stronger. 00:10:02 Speaker 6: Praise un donny. Blessed are you, oh Lord? Yes? 00:10:08 Speaker 5: And no closer has our day of deliverance come than this day, Oh Messiah is coming. 00:10:16 Speaker 1: More cheers rang from the boisterous gathering. Though John's words were inspiring, something else was stirring within them, something much more profound than a good speech. 00:10:28 Speaker 5: For this very reason, you must repair your hearts to receive him, for he is coming to establish his kingdom and take the throne of David. I say to you this day repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. 00:10:45 Speaker 1: As John finished these words, he noticed a jostling amongst the people, pushing their way through the throngs. He saw a group of men dressed in fine robes, the unmistakable garments of the Pharisee and Sadducees. They too, had come to listen to the baptizer. Though their stance on his teachings was questionable at best, John gave them ample time to push through so that they might stand in the front of the crowd for all to see, before speaking again, this time directing his words at them. This was the perfect platform for John to address the crowds from a different point of view. 00:11:34 Speaker 5: You there, brood of vipers, making your way through the people like slithering snakes. The judgment of our Lord is coming, and who warned you to flee from the coming wrath. You spend your days following customs, adding to the law that you might appear righteous. 00:11:53 Speaker 6: Before all of Israel. 00:11:55 Speaker 5: But hear this, The Lord desires that you produce fruit in keeping with the repentance. 00:12:01 Speaker 1: Scowls formed on their faces as an overflow of anger quickly took root in their hearts. It was evident that this attack struck a chord with the religious leaders, But before they could utter a rebuttal, the baptizer carried on, I. 00:12:19 Speaker 6: Know your ways. You don't fool me, and you certainly don't fool the Lord. 00:12:24 Speaker 5: You do not think you can say to yourselves we have Abraham as our father, as though that alone is the key to your salvation. 00:12:32 Speaker 6: I tell you that God can breathe his spirit. 00:12:34 Speaker 5: Into these lifeless stones and raise up new children for Abraham. 00:12:39 Speaker 1: John was playing a dangerous game. These men held greater authority over the people of Israel, including himself. But his faith rose like a passionate flame, burning out any fear within him. 00:12:55 Speaker 5: The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 00:13:05 Speaker 1: There was an audible gasp from the people as they looked at one another, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of John's threatening metaphor. They wondered aloud if any of them were at risk of being one of these trees thrown into the fire. 00:13:22 Speaker 6: We want to produce good fruit for the Lord Baptizer. Please tell us what should we do. 00:13:27 Speaker 5: Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. 00:13:35 Speaker 1: Some of those who were tax collectors chimed in, knowing of their unique predicament among the people of Israel. 00:13:43 Speaker 7: Tzecha, we know we've wronged God's people, as you've called us to repentance, so we shall repent. 00:13:51 Speaker 6: Please tell us what we need to do. 00:13:54 Speaker 5: Though you have committed yourself to the work of Caesar, the Lord has not forgotten Honor the Lord. 00:14:02 Speaker 3: Remain honest. 00:14:03 Speaker 5: Men, when you stand in your booths, do not collect any more than you must. 00:14:09 Speaker 1: A ways off from the tax collectors. A group of soldiers began to speak, and. 00:14:14 Speaker 7: What of us? We know how people view us. What should we do again? 00:14:20 Speaker 5: I say to you, honor the Lord and all you do. Don't extort money from the people. Now, don't accuse people falsely. You hold authority over many people, but your hearts remain unsatisfied. Don't seek out the treasures of this world, but be content with your pay and what the Lord has provided you with. 00:14:40 Speaker 1: The people took in John's responses without question, hungry for the truth and in awe of one who would give it to them with such honesty and directness. But John could overhear the murmurings that resulted. 00:14:58 Speaker 7: Perhaps this is he of whom the scripture foretold? 00:15:01 Speaker 5: Could it be possible that johny Baptizer is the Messiah? 00:15:05 Speaker 1: In hearing their words, he turned his attention back towards the whole of the gathering and steadied his torn You. 00:15:12 Speaker 5: Have come to me in the wilderness, to be made clean and gladly. I baptize you with water as an act of repentance. 00:15:21 Speaker 7: Hut. 00:15:22 Speaker 5: After me comes one who is far more powerful than I. 00:15:26 Speaker 6: One who sandals. I am not even worthy to carry. 00:15:30 Speaker 1: The people pressed in eager to soak in every word that flowed from John. 00:15:36 Speaker 6: Yes, I have baptized you with these very waters. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 00:15:46 Speaker 5: The harvest time is drawing near, and his winnowing fork is in his hand. 00:15:52 Speaker 6: He will clear his threshing floor, gathering his. 00:15:54 Speaker 5: Weight into the barn, and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 00:15:59 Speaker 1: That the final words, his eyes shifted back towards the religious leaders, with looks of disgust upon their faces. They turned and disappeared back into the crowds. Over the coming days, word of John's address to the Pharisees and Sadducees spread through the region with a swiftness of a rushing wind. As the sun shone overhead, Jesus walked along the edge of the Jordan River, with John, finding shade under the trees that reached their long arms over the water. Jesus had made his way from Galilee for a special visit. 00:16:43 Speaker 6: Tell me how is yo Ema. 00:16:46 Speaker 7: She's quite well. Of course, she sends her love. She would have sent some food too, but she couldn't find any recipes for locusts. 00:16:55 Speaker 2: I can't say I've found any to send back to her either. 00:17:00 Speaker 5: Again, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company? 00:17:03 Speaker 7: Today is the day, cousin, the moment we've been waiting for. 00:17:08 Speaker 6: And what moment is that? 00:17:09 Speaker 7: Baptism? 00:17:10 Speaker 3: Of course, I'm sorry your baptism. 00:17:14 Speaker 7: I've heard you started quite the movement out here, and I know you're very busy, but I figured you could squeeze me in as a family favor. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you allowed me to cut the lines. 00:17:26 Speaker 1: With a wink, Jesus gave John a gentle nudge on his shoulder, but John didn't return the jester. He thought back to his statement to the Pharisees and Sadducees. 00:17:40 Speaker 2: Though it was. 00:17:41 Speaker 1: True that many were coming to John to be baptized, how could he be worthy enough to baptize the Messiah. 00:17:50 Speaker 5: I will admit that I have baptized more people than I can count, But with all due respect, I think you have it backwards. 00:17:58 Speaker 6: I need to be baptized by you. But here you are coming to me. 00:18:03 Speaker 7: You seem to have no problem dunking my head under water down at the pools, and Jerusalem had passover when we were boys again. 00:18:10 Speaker 1: Jesus humor was met with a nervous uncertainty, But sensing John's uneasiness, Jesus gently placed his hands on John's shoulders and looked him in the eyes. John could feel his heart lightened as gentleness radiated from Jesus's face. 00:18:30 Speaker 7: My dear John, you've been faithful to my father. You've chosen a life of humility and loneliness. Let it be so that you baptize me now. It is the proper thing for us to do to fulfill all righteousness. Trust me, cousin. 00:18:48 Speaker 1: John thought for a moment, shifting his bare feet in the dirt underfoot. He knew that he had no reason not to trust Jesus. This wasn't a matter of questioning if Jesus was the Messiah. He had always known that. But could preparing the way for him really mean baptizing him along with all the other sinners. John took a steady breath before slowly exhaling. He desperately wanted to fight the words of Jesus as an act of humility, but he knew the reality was that in doing so, he would only be feeding into his pride, allowing himself to believe that his ideas were more honoring to the Lord than the messiahs. 00:19:41 Speaker 5: I cannot say that it still isn't a little difficult for me to understand, but I will trust you if today is indeed the day of your baptism, well. 00:19:55 Speaker 6: I would be honored to be the one to do it. 00:19:58 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled the man covered in camel fur before him. He couldn't help but see the young boy he had known many years ago. Jesus knew that even the people closest to him would have much to learn during his time on earth. The pair made their way out of the brush to be greeted by the sun. Once again, they could see the usual formation of people a few yards away. Each morning, they would gather with eagerness to hear from the baptizer before stepping into the river's cool waters to be baptized in repentance. On most days, John would share this excitement, but today his emotions felt intermingled As nerves collided with anticipation of this monumental moment, John could feel his heart rate elevating, small drops of sweat on his brow from the heat. John made his way through the people, greeting each one like an old friend. 00:21:09 Speaker 6: Shalom, brothers and sisters. It's so good to see you. 00:21:13 Speaker 5: I'm sorry to have kept you all, but it seems like the weight will be well worth it Today. 00:21:19 Speaker 1: With a new found peace, John glanced at Jesus with a smile, finally returning a knowing wink. 00:21:29 Speaker 2: Perhaps it was. 00:21:31 Speaker 1: The anticipation that had led to John's previous nerves, but now surrounded by others who had a sincere love of God and desired to see his kingdom come, he was confident in the Lord's guidance at this moment. Wading carefully into the Jordan, he stretched out his arm. The animated river coursed calmly around John's ankles. He made his way to deeper waters. The light's reflection bounced off the surface like crystals, like a shimmering glimpse of the glory of God. John turned, murmured a prayer to God and stretched out his hand. 00:22:18 Speaker 6: You have asked if I am the Messiah. 00:22:22 Speaker 5: I have turned my head at such ideas enough to be an. 00:22:25 Speaker 6: Owl that I baptize you with water. 00:22:29 Speaker 5: The one who comes after me will baptize you with fire, the fire of God's spirit. I'm not even worthy to unstrap his sandals, and let alone proclaim his coming to you today. Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. 00:22:48 Speaker 1: Emerging from the crowd walked Jesus. His entrance confused people, as there was nothing remarkable about him. He wore craftsman's clothes and held himself without much authority. He waded into the water, the sun's light dancing with each wake upwards in his face. Jesus stood slightly taller than John. His smile was reassuring, serene. It filled John with peace. What a loving prompt. Jesus encouraged his cousin to begin. 00:23:30 Speaker 7: It is time enjoy this moment. The Lord is with you with us. Pay close attention to what you're about to witness. 00:23:39 Speaker 1: Jesus spoke the very words that John didn't even know he needed to hear. With this encouragement, every uncertainty and question in John's mind seemed to melt away like snow at the first light of spring, and in their places vibrant flowers of hope grew. The people watched as the baptizer took jesus hand in his wrapping his arm around his back, John looked down at the water, the very same waters he had baptized many in, but this time the water seemed to radiate in a way he had never before seen. Breaking away from his trance, John caught jesus eye. Jesus looked at John and gave a simple nod. The time had come. John lowered Jesus into the waters. When he was below, John sighed a brief prayer. 00:24:47 Speaker 5: Ah, blest are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has made a way for his people Israel. 00:24:57 Speaker 6: May I safe you rise with all the glory of heavens above. 00:25:01 Speaker 1: In one solid motion, John pulled Jesus out of the water. Droplets cascaded through the air like diamonds. With a swift inhale. Jesus caught his breath, turned toward John, and wrapped his arms around him in a fond embrace. In a hushed whisper, Jesus shared his gratitude with his cousin. 00:25:27 Speaker 7: And blessed are you John, who is made straight? 00:25:30 Speaker 1: The paths flowed all of a sudden, The leaves of the trees began to rustle, as the shadows they cast upon the ground began to shift, tessellating the dirt with hues of green and yellow through the filter of the leaves. Above, the clouds that lingered in the sky began to separate. His eyes drifted to the skies. It seemed as though the heavens were opening up a glorious hearting like that of the Red Sea. The slow rumblings of panic set into the crowd, worried that a storm had swept in without warning. 00:26:11 Speaker 6: What's happening? 00:26:13 Speaker 7: Should we go? 00:26:14 Speaker 6: Looks like as stole is approaching. 00:26:17 Speaker 1: But their questions were answered in an instant. But they witnessed next caused their feet to remain planted to the ground like terra bed trees. From the newly parted heavens descended a blinding light, and with it, a great torrent of wind rushed around them. Yet to their surprise, the increasing conditions only seemed to calm their fears. As they squinted their eyes to peer through the bright lights, they could just make out the form of a dove descending down, working its way deadly but surely towards the man who had just come up out of the water. This ethereal being was none other than the Spirit of God, come to rest upon and empower God's anointed one. Just then the wind stilled. From the silence, came a voice from the skies. Though no face could be seen, the sound was crystal clear and resonated within the people's chests. The brilliant lights began to fade back to the normal glow of the desert sun. The heavens closed like curtains. Unable to find words, the gatherers wondered if their eyes and ears had deceived them, but no one could deny what they had seen had heard. They they were the first witnesses to God's declaration that he had sent his son to rescue his people. 00:28:11 Speaker 2: What began with. 00:28:12 Speaker 1: The commonalty of the hundreds of other baptisms John had performed in the Jordan had quickly turned into a cataclysmic moment in Jesus' ministry. This was an undeniable sign that the Messiah had come with the approval of the Father of Lights. Baptized with water, but empowered by the spirit, the Son of Man had come and he was getting ready to change the world. 00:29:00 Speaker 2: Let's start with a quick introduction to John the Baptist. John was quite the character. He was the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, born to them in their old age, a miracle baby announced by an angel. He didn't just stroll into town to preach. He made his pulpit out in the wilderness of Judea, and his message it was straightforward repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. In Matthew chapter three, verse two. Now, repentance isn't a word we hear much outside of church, is it. Sometimes we think it means just feeling sorry for what we've done. But John's call to repentance wasn't about shedding a few tears and feeling guilty. No, repentance means to change, to turn around, to reorient your life. Imagine you're on a road trip and you suddenly realize you're headed in the wrong direction. Repentance is like making a U turn to get back on the right path. And why was John so urgent in his message Because the Kingdom of Heaven was near, as close as your hand. He wasn't talking about a far off dream or a distant promise. He was talking about something immediate, something you needed to get ready for right now. And John wasn't your average preacher either. He didn't dress in fine robes or dyne in luxury. He wore camel's hair and lived on a diet of locusts and wild honey. He was a man on a mission, much like the prophet Elijah before him. His whole life was a call to wake people up from their spiritual slumber and prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah. And what happened when John preached the people responded. Matthew tells us that Jerusalem, all Judea, and the region around the Jordan went out to him. In Matthew Chapter three, verse five. Imagine the sight crowds of people confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan. It was a spiritual revival unlike any that Israel had ever seen. But then something unexpected happened. Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John. Now John knew who Jesus was, it was his cousin. He also knew that Jesus had no sin to confess. He had no need to repent, so naturally, John tried to prevent him, saying, I need to be baptized by you. Are you coming to me? That's in Matthew chapter three, verse fourteen. But Jesus responded with words that have puzzled many. Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness Matthew chapter three, verse fifteen. What did he mean by that? Jesus was showing us that he came to fully identify with us with our humanity, our struggles, and yes, even our sin. Though he himself was siniless, he was stepping into our shoes, beginning his public ministry by symbolically taking on the sins of the world. As Jesus was baptized, something incredible happened. The heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, alighting upon him. And then a voice from heaven said, this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased at Matthew chapter three, verse seventeen. In this moment, we see the beautiful harmony of the trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, affirming Jesus's mission and identity God the Father with a voice of love and affirmation, declares his pleasure in Jesus. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove, symbolizing peace, purity, and the gentle yet powerful presence of God. This scene at the Jordan River isn't just an ancient story. It's a picture of what happens when we come to God. Just as Jesus identified with us through his baptism, he invites us to identify with them Him through our baptism, to die to our old selves and rise to new life in Him. So as we reflect on the baptism of Jesus, let's remember that we are called to live out our own baptism every day. We're called to turn away from sin, to walk in the newness of life, and to live with the assurance that we are God's beloved children in whom He is well pleased