Lessons From Jesus' Baptism
The Lord's baptism is of such importance that each gospel writer has left a record of it. Mark and Luke give us sparse details, but in the writings of Matthew and John, we find a strong affirmation of Jesus' deity, and an authoritative example of baptism for all who want to serve God.
In the gospel penned by John the son of Zebedee, we read the words of John the Baptist, who said, "I did not know Him" (John 1:31, 33). It is not that John did not know Jesus of Nazareth; their mothers were relatives (Luke 1:36). They may have met each other on several occasions. He did not know Him as the Son of God, but that He might be revealed, it was told to John that he would see the Spirit descend and remain upon Him. As a result, John was able to affirm to his disciples as he pointed them to Jesus, "I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God" (John 1:34). The Lord's baptism was used by God to manifest His Son to the world.
Matthew's account gives four lessons which can be found in succession from Matthew 3:14-17. Let us consider the example and attitude of both John and Jesus, as well as how the Father responds to those who obey His will.
BAPTIZED IN CHRIST
When Jesus came to be baptized by John, the baptizer initially tried to prevent Him. He told the Lord, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" (Matthew 3:14) This is a wonderful acknowledgement by John. He didn’t have an elevated sense of self-worth, since Jesus was coming to him, but realized that he needed the Lord, not vice versa.
Every person alive needs to come to the Lord to receive His baptism. The Lord would command His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
The apostle Peter would eventually compare the effect of baptism in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) with the water of the flood in the days of Noah. Noah "moved with godly fear, prepared an ark" (Hebrews 11:7), by which he and his family were saved. Considering how these "eight souls were saved through water," Peter speaks of "an antitype which now saves us - baptism" (1 Peter 3:21). Those who will not be baptized in the name of the Lord refuse salvation for themselves. Paul says that if "we were buried with Him through baptism into death," then "we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4).
“Every person alive needs to come to the Lord to receive His baptism.”
IT IS FITTING
John didn't understand why Jesus needed to be baptized. The Lord go to great lengths to explain, but simply said, "it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15).
What did He mean? Why was He being baptized? It is not that Jesus had any sins for which He needed forgiveness, for "He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
Though not part of Moses' law, John's baptism was authorized by God. Thus, to show a perfect example of obedience, it was fitting that Jesus should submit to it. Seeing Jesus' willingness to submit to every ordinance of God, we also ought to do the same.
John's baptism is not valid today; rather we must be "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:3-5). If folks refuse to be baptized, as commanded by the Lord (Mark 16:16), they disregard the example which Jesus left for us, and reject the salvation which He seeks to give to those who come in faithful obedience.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD
When He was baptized, the Spirit of God came upon Jesus (Matthew 3:16). Afterward, Jesus is described as "being filled with the Holy Spirit" (Luke 4:1).
When we are baptized according to the Bible pattern and added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:41, 47), we also receive the Sprit (Acts 2:38; Romans 5:5; 8:9; 2 Corinthans 1:22; Ephesians 1:13). But, if we’ve not followed His example to be immersed in water for the remission of our sins, we do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, no matter how spiritual we may be. Only baptized believers have the Spirit of God.
GOD IS PLEASED
Finally, notice the reaction from heaven when Jesus was baptized – God said He was pleased with Him. We too can have God’s approval, if we will obey His will (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46). Among the things He commands is that we be baptized (Acts 2:38; 10:48; cf. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
Will you obey the Lord, be baptized unto the forgive-ness of sins, and receive the Spirit of God?
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Answering The Atheist
Complaint:
How high were the pillars by the vestibule of the temple? 1 Kings 7:15 says they were 18 cubits high, but 2 Chronicles 3:15 says they were 35 cubits high. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
A careful look at the wording used in the accounts will show us why there appears to be a substantial difference in the reported height of the two pillars which were at the front vestibule of the temple.
1 Kings 7:15 gives the individual height of the pillars, "eighteen cubits high apiece" (KJV). 2 Chronicles 3:15 gives the combined height, there being "two pillars of thirty and five cubits high" (KJV). Why the Chronicle writer would combine their heights, I do not know. It may be that they were cast together (35 cubits), and then afterward split into two pieces.
Even if this is the case, some might point to a remaining discrepancy. 18 + 18 = 36, not 35. It may be that the eighteen cubits is a rounded figure (the exact being 17.5), or it may be that when the pillars were set up and the chapiters placed on top, that ½ a cubit was no longer visible.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible