Matthew 3 - John Baptism Jesus a Foreshadowing of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit!

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John the Baptist Prepares the Way

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness,Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

Today, we meet John the Baptist, whose ministry was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3. John, as many prophets had done, had taken the Nazirite vow. 

"The Nazirite/Nazirite vow is taken by individuals who have voluntarily dedicated themselves to God. The vow is a decision, action, and desire on the part of people whose desire is to yield themselves to God completely. By definition, the Hebrew word nazir, simply means “to be separated or consecrated.” - GotQuestions

You can see by his austere lifestyle, as he only ate locusts and wild honey. Yum! I could deal with the honey, but not so sure about the locusts. He also was outfitted with camel hair. Very comfy.  

Importantly his ministry was a baptism of repentance. Some people reallized the significance of John and were baptized. His baptism pointed to the cleansing of their sins, which Jesus would bring. This baptism was a preparation for the Messiah. Notice John was harshest on the religious leaders, a theme in Matthew. He call them a "brood of vipers", which meant a "brood of snakes". Obviously he wasn't worred about others liking him.  Though they called themselves "children of Abraham", they were not acting in obedience like father Abraham did. 

John's baptism was preparatory, whereas he told of a baptism of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus would bring. This is told about in John 3, where Jesus talks about being born again, or born from above. John's message definitely has a tone of judgment more so than the other gospels. 

How would people respond to John's message today? In what sense are we to call people to repentance in the church? Where do you need to repent and produce fruit as a disciple of Jesus, who has the Holy Spirit? 

The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus was baptized as well. You might say, "Why was Jesus baptized, if he was sinless?" Jesus tells them that it is to "fulfill righteousness".  "Righteousness" means doing the right thing. Jesus, in his humility, set an example for others. 

And then a very significant thing happens in Jesus' life. It was a turning point in the nature of his ministry up to this point. Jesus was about 30 years old at the time. Jesus is baptized, and as he comes up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descends on him with the image of a dove (a sign of peace). God the Father says to God the Son, "You are my son with whom I am well pleased!" 

From this point on, Jesus begins his public minsitry walking and acting in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the next chapter, Matthew 4, we will see that the Holy Spirit will lead him into a time of trial.

How do we connect baptism to the Holy Spirit today in both infant and adult baptisms? Do you realize that baptism is part of God claiming you to be his son or daughter? He is well pleased with you, so you don't need anyone's approval. Most importantly God has chosen you. Jesus says in John 15:16, "You did not choose me but I chose you to go and bear fruit that will last." 

As you live your day today realize you are a child of God, who is well loved by God. And, he has given you the power of the Holy Spirit to live out your calling!