Beloved, I am glad to start sharing with you today the details of the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through his first pronouncement in Matthew 3:15. As a matter of fact, he went to John in the Jordan River in order to be baptized.
But the content of this Gospel should already be summarized: indeed, of the four Gospels, that of Matthew is the most complete and gives the best overview of the life and death of the Lord. On the other hand, constituting the transition between the Old Testament and the New, representing the bond of one to the other, this gospel rightly occupies the first place in the canon of the New Testament.
The intention of the Holy Spirit in this gospel is clearly indicated from the first verse: Jesus Christ is the Son of David and the Son of Abraham and, therefore, the Messiah, the promised, lawful King of Israel, the Fulfilling One. all the promises of the Old Testament.
Another important feature of this gospel is closely linked to what precedes: the frequent mention of the Messianic reign, more precisely of the “kingdom” (50 times).
The gospel according to Matthew is built according to a divine plan. In the first half of the book, the Lord Jesus is introduced as the King of Israel and presented to his earthly people. This part ends in chapter 12 with its rejection: the leaders of Israel do not want their King.
The second half, starting with chapter 13, describes the service of the rejected King, a service which from then on is no longer limited exclusively to Israel, but also extends to the pagan nations. It is in this section of the gospel that we find the very first mention in the Bible of the Assembly (or Church) of God, composed of Jews and Gentiles (Mat. 16:18; comp. 1 Cor. 12) : 13).
As John was resisting, he said: “Let it be so now: because so it is right for us to make righteousness complete”. Then he gave him baptism.
One could query why Jesus, the Saint and the Righteous, who did not need repentance, nor regeneration, requested to be baptized. For a mission such as his, which consisted in getting the people of God out of a slavery deeper than that of Egypt, meaning that of sin and death, he did needed it.
So, by requesting that John baptized him, he displayed obedience to the Almighty God’s plan. And he received baptism because it was essential, in order to identify himself with Israel that recognized its sin and was waiting for the kingdom of God. He was the King-Messiah who should substitute himself to the people of God in the condemnation of its sin. By being baptized he symbolically bore on himself the sins that his compatriots deposited in the Jordan River. He had to remain obedient where his people failed. He was the new Adam who resisted to the Serpent’s test.
Moreover, as human similar to his brothers in all things, although being without sin, he did develop throughout his life, a religious and moral career, to those who were there at that time, as written in
Luke 2:52: And Jesus was increasing in wisdom and in years, and in grace before God and men.
Furthermore, the supreme end was attained when he obeyed the Almighty Lord in an absolute manner. In his unlimited love for men, and by his sufferings and death; and he did it, by suffering and sacrificing himself, as written in
Hebrews 2:10-11 Because it was right for him, for whom and through whom all things have being, in guiding his sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation complete through pain. 11 For he who makes holy and those who are made holy are all of one family; and for this reason it is no shame for him to give them the name of brothers.
And also in Hebrews 5:8-9 8 And though he was a Son, through the pain which he underwent, the knowledge came to him of what it was to be under God’s orders; 9 And when he had been made complete, he became the giver of eternal salvation to all those who are under his orders. That’s the reason why he answered in Mark 10: 38 saying: But Jesus said to them, You have no knowledge of what you are saying. Are you able to take of my cup? or to undergo the baptism which I am to undergo? And the Bible says in
Romans 6:3-4 3 Or are you without the knowledge that all we who had baptism into Christ Jesus, had baptism into his death? 4 We have been placed with him among the dead through baptism into death: so that as Christ came again from the dead by the glory of the Father, we, in the same way, might be living in new life.
So, absolute obedience led him to the suffering and death, which were his true baptism, and it is worth mentioning that any baptism bears this meaning. As a matter of fact, he had won terrifying obstacles, in the most violent warfare again sin. For he had to entirely dedicate himself: this is the deep meaning of his baptism. And for that, he was essential that he be filled of the Holy Spirit, as witnessed by the Holy Father himself in
Matthew 3:17 And a voice came out of heaven, saying, This is my dearly loved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
This is the baptism that unites the Saviour’s redeeming act with the sinful humanity. The descent of the Holy Spirit on him like a dove, beside God ‘s voice that was heard, shows that he was indeed the Almighty’s Servant and the expected prophet.
For that reason, (a) Christ’s example should be followed by us; (b) his righteousness should guide our life; (c) our submissiveness to the Almighty God is a necessity; (d) and his perfection should definitely teach us on what to do, in order to guarantee our salvation.
So, the above four sections will need to be deeply looked into the upcoming months. Our prayers are with all of you in your need of doing righteousness, just like our Lord Jesus.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite anyone who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me as follows :
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you and ask forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as my Lord and personal Savior. I acknowledge that you died on the cross of Calvary and that you rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me each day to eternal life you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal to me and strengthen my heart and my faith so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me in your divine family so that I too can contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
To you all adoration, power, and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be glad to revert on your queries and comments as necessary, before sharing next week on Jesus Christ’s example to be followed.
May the Almighty Lord bless you in abundance.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.