Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)

OUTLINE:

Main Point: In baptism, we proclaim that Jesus has come to identify with us in our sin, save us from it, and restore us to God.

I. The Human Disagreement

A. Advance of Jesus V13

B. Decline of John V14

II. The Divine Agreement

A. Fulfilling of Jesus V15

B. Endorsement of the Holy Spirit V16

1. The Holy Spirit as peace

2. The Holy Spirit as commissioning

3. The Holy Spirit as affirmation of the prophetic Messiah

4. The Spirit as identifier, not changer of the person of Jesus

C. Acceptance of the Father V17

Beyond the Walls: Grace and Growth

Weekly Reading:

Day 1

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

• Isaiah 53:12

• Psalm 40:7-8

Questions:

1. How does the truth that Jesus came to identify with us deepen your sense of belonging and worthiness in God's eyes, especially when you feel like an outsider or unworthy?

Day 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:14-15

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

• Isaiah 53:11: 

Questions:

1. When have you felt inadequate or unworthy to serve God or participate in His work, and how might Jesus' response to John ("to fulfill all righteousness") reframe your perspective on such feelings?

2. How does understanding the deeper purpose of Jesus' baptism—to "fulfill all righteousness" by identifying with humanity's need for salvation—transform your view of your own need for God's grace and forgiveness?

3. In what ways might God be calling you to humble yourself and submit to His ways, even when they seem counterintuitive or require you to step outside your comfort zone?

Day 3

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:16

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

• Genesis 1:2

• Genesis 8:8-12

• Isaiah 11:1-2

• Isaiah 42:1

Questions:

1. How does the reality that Jesus has united the sinful world to God by removing the barrier of sin empower you to live with greater freedom and access to God's presence, reflecting on the opening of heaven?

2. Where in your life do you long for God's peace to settle over chaotic or uncertain "waters," and how can you invite the Holy Spirit's presence into those areas, remembering His descent like a dove symbolizing peace and new creation?

3. How can you more intentionally lean into the Holy Spirit's empowering presence—for power, guidance, and comfort—to live out God's mission for your life, just as the Spirit commissioned Jesus for His work?

Day 4

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:17

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

• Psalm 2:7: "I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father.'"

• Isaiah 42:1: "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations."

• Genesis 22:2: "Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.'"

• 2 Samuel 7:13-14: "He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son."

Questions:

1. How does God's divine affirmation of Jesus' identity and beloved status ("This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased") speak to your own longing for acceptance and approval?

2. How does understanding Jesus as both King and humble Servant—linking Him to the Davidic Messiah and the Suffering Servant—shape your understanding of true leadership and service in your own life?

Day 5

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

Complementary Old Testament Texts:

• Romans 6:3-4

• Galatians 3:27

• 1 Peter 2:9

Questions:

1. What is one specific area of your life where you can live with greater faithfulness, joy, and obedience this week, knowing you are beloved, made righteous, and empowered by God, because Jesus (Immanuel) has identified with us in our sin to restore us to Him?