Jesus’ baptism is the fulfillment of all righteousness and a revelation of His Sonship. It also echoes the Exodus journey of Israel through the Red Sea.
Matthew 3:13-17
SERMON OUTLINE
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” (Matthew 3:13)
Facts of Jesus’ Baptism
- timing
- setting
Theological Truths of Jesus’ Baptism
- Representative Messiah: John’s hesitation and Jesus’ purpose
- The Descent of the Dove: the coming of the Holy Spirit
- Jesus the Unique Son of God: The declaration of the Father
- The Triune God Revealed: The Son’s baptism, the Spirit’s descent, the Father’s declaration
Spiritual Implications of Jesus’ Baptism
- The pattern of dying and rising in baptism and the spiritual life (Romans 6:1-14)
- The call to suffering in baptism and the spiritual life (Mark 10:38-40)
- The joy of God’s delight in baptism and the spiritual life (Matthew 3:17; Acts 2:38)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some of the experiences that bring you the greatest joy in your life?
- This week we continue our series, “Power in Preparation,” by looking at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you are alone or with a group, read that text aloud.
- Based on what we know about John the Baptist’s ministry from Matthew 3:1, 6 and John 3:23, Jesus likely traveled roughly 70 miles from Nazareth to be baptized by John. Why do you think Jesus was so determined to be baptized by John as seen in verse 13?
- Matthew is the only one of the gospel writers to relate John’s concerns about baptizing Jesus in verse 14. Why do you think John hesitated to baptize Jesus?
- In verse 15, Jesus’ responds that it is appropriate for John to baptism him “to fulfill all righteousness.” Righteousness here conveys the conduct that is fitting and required of God’s people. Even though Jesus was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), he enters into this ritual of repentance. What do you think Jesus means by his response to John?
- Have you ever been baptized? If so, what was that experience like for you? If not, why not?
- Three very distinct things happen with Jesus’ baptism in verse 16-17. The first is that the heavens are thrown open, which often is a sign of God breaking through powerfully (see Ezekiel 1:1). What do you think is the significance of this?
- Second, we are told that God’s Spirit descends like a dove upon Jesus. This seems to refer both to John the Baptist’s earlier comments (Matthew 3:11) and the prophet Isaiah (42:1). Why might this be important for Jesus’ coming ministry?
- Third, there is a bold declaration of Jesus’ identity as God’s unique Son. Given the unique conception of Jesus as background, what do you think this means that Jesus is God’s Son?
- Jesus’ life and ministry are fueled by the Holy Spirit’s power and the Father’s love. How have these two powerful realities shaped your own life with God?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3? If you’re on your own, write that down and pray over that this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize the Father’s declaration over Jesus in Matthew 3:17
- Set aside some time this week to read Matthew 3:13-17 again. Then write, draw, paint, or pray aloud your own response to this series of events in Jesus’ life.
- Explore the theme of baptism in the New Testament through these Scripture readings: o Matthew 21:23-27 o Mark 10:35-45 o Luke 12:49-53 o Acts 19:3-6 o Romans 6:1-14o Colossians 2:9-12
- Although it is drawn from the Gospel of Luke, you may enjoy watching “The Baptism of Jesus” by the Bible Project.