Matthew 3; Psalm 69

Matthew 3:1-12
Matthew does not deal with the birth of John the Baptist (not to be confused with the Apostle John). If you want to review the birth of John the Baptist, check Luke 1. I will just say that John the Baptist, who was the son of Mary's cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah, was the forerunner of Jesus--preaching to the people about His coming. John's ministry was another Old Testament prophecy fulfilled, Isaiah 40:3. John the Baptist called on the people to "repent for the kingdom of heaven is near." To repent is to change directions. Those who were walking away from God were encouraged to turn and walk toward Him. My husband recently preached in church that repentance involves the mind (knowing that our actions or attitudes are sinful), the emotions (feeling remorse for our sin), and the will (determining to change and leave our sin behind.)

John's lifestyle was not traditional!  See vv. 4-5 Yet the people came to him confessing their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. This is why he is called John the Baptist because he baptized people. It is not, of course, to distinguish him from "John the Methodist" or "John the Presbyterian"!

We see in vv 7-10 that he, John, was very hard on the religious leaders. They were proud of their Jewish ancestry and did not feel the need to repent at all.

John was a humble man who only wished to elevate Jesus. He would baptize only those who truly repented. He did not claim, however, that this water baptism saved anyone. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus. When we trust Jesus for our salvation, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit which means that the Holy Spirit Himself comes to dwell in us. Water baptizes is simply of picture of our repentance and faith in Jesus. vv. 11-12

The baptism of Jesus, recorded in vv 13-17, marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Why was Jesus baptized? Following are a few reasons though there may be more.

• Jesus Himself said, "It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Jesus fulfilled all the righteous qualifications God required of the promised Messiah.
• The Holy Spirit came and approved of Jesus
• The Father spoke His approval, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
• Though Himself sinless, Jesus is identifying Himself with mankind.
• Jesus is setting an example for us to identify ourselves with Him through baptism.

Here is another remark I will make about this passage. The word "Trinity" is not used in the Bible, but the concept is clearly taught. The baptism of Jesus is one such place--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all part of this event.

Psalm 69
This is a long psalm, but I hate to break it up because it is a complete poem. Warren Wiersbe in With the Word Bible Commentary (p. 740) says that it "begins with sinking (vv. 1-3, 14-15) and ends with singing (vv. 30-36)." So I don't want to leave you "sinking"! Sometimes we feel that "the waters have come up to my neck." v. 1 David is being honest. He is not pretending that he is not troubled and discouraged. He readily admits that he can't see God working. v. 3 He honestly admits his sin. v. 5 He asks God that other believers not be disgraced because of him. v. 6

So what do we do when we're "drowning"? "But I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation." v. 13  "Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me." v. 16

After the psalmist David has poured out his heart, he is able to sing! "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." v. 30