Following Jesus Series - Sermon 1

God Is Well Pleased!

Text: Matthew 3:1-17

Introduction:

The purpose of this series is to take us deeper into life and ministry of Jesus Christ. You might ask, “What is the benefit of such a series?” If Jesus is the one whom we are to be shaped to be like, if personal communion with Him is what grows our “new man,” then it only makes sense that we take an up close and personal view of His life, relationships, miracles and teachings.

We will not be taking time to focus on His birth (that is an event we will focus on later in the year), but rather His personal ministry. Today, we will listen to the voice of John the Baptist as he readies a people for God’s kingdom coming down to earth; Jesus has come!

1) John’s Unique Person

The coarse hair of the camel was usually used for making tents and rough mantles.

Given John was prophesied to come in the spirit of Elijah, there is no doubt this wardrobe selection was in protest to the luxurious lifestyle of religious leaders

Around his waist John wore a leather belt. The wealthy of his day wore girdles of costly linen or silk. These were often lined with silver or gold. John scorned such embellishments.

John lived for only one thing: to be a voice that captured the heart and conscience of his audience.

There was such a ring of genuineness to his voice and such evidence of sincerity in his life that people responded.

Matthew 3:4 (JPCS Mt): He had been born into the priestly family of the house of Aaron of the tribe of Levi.

There is no doubt that he could have forced his way to the top, to the position of high priest of Israel. (Same author quoted)

Early in life he forsook the schools of the rabbis and the rigorous apprenticeship for the priesthood. (Same author quoted)

He decided that what Israel needed was not another priest after the order of Aaron, but a prophet after the order of Elijah. And such he became. (Same author quoted)

APPLICATION

What this community, this nation and this world needs is a people who will repent from looking anything like the world and will stop at nothing to look like Jesus!

Jesus deals with enough of those who claim to be “followers” yet they are spectators at best.

I am talking about the kind of Christians who go to the cross daily with their own lust, ambitions, goals, dreams and desires.

We must arrive at the place where we find ourselves saying more than anything, “I must be about my Father’s business!”

2) John’s Radical Message

You have to keep in mind that this message is what broke the 400 years of silence from God.

Some have estimated that at least a million people came to witness this rouged preacher.

A. John’s message was “Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Repentance was the message in preparation for God’s kingdom to come down to earth.

What is repentance?

It is something God must lead you too.

It is completely turning to Jesus, believing on Him and declaring Him as Savior of your soul.

A complete change in direction of your perspective of Jesus.

Why repentance?

God’s way has come to earth; Jesus Christ (I must be about my Father’s business).

That means your way is NO GOOD!

The Father’s promise is now fulfilled! (Peace on earth/good will toward men)

What was John’s tactic to gain such a following?

It wasn’t his trendy clothing and choice of cologne.

It wasn’t because he followed the 5 best growth tactics.

It wasn’t because he focused on making the lost feel comfortable through cheap pragmatism.

It was the message God sent him to preach!!!

Whole hearted repentance and confession is a result only the Holy Spirit can bring from His Word received.

There will always be those who are “sight-seers.” (v7)

Matthew 3:8–9 (JPCS Mt): Many of the Old Testament prophets had warned that the Lord’s coming would be accompanied by a visitation of wrath on the wicked, but the Jews comfortably assigned all such visitation to the Gentiles.

Matthew 3:8–9 (JPCS Mt): The self-righteous Pharisees and scornful Sadducees were scandalized to hear this new prophet turn the warning on them. Were they not children of Abraham? Did not that give them automatic status in the kingdom?

The “roots” of the continual sight-seer is at risk of the ax blade and shovel (fan).

God always knows where to swing His ax.

The imitation game will one day be over when God starts shoveling (fanning).

3) Jesus Is Revealed

A. Jesus’ unexpected request of John

John had the right message, yet it was a message “in-part.”

Notice Jesus’ request of John.

Notice John’s response.

John was given the opportunity to co-labor with Jesus.

“fitting for us”..... “fulfill all righteousness”

Christ receives all the credit, but we are given the privilege of holding the trowel.

Listen, up to this point you have had your Bible in your hand. THATS WONDERFUL! God is pleased!

However, God has been preparing your heart and hands to grip the TROWEL and get in on the blessing that can only come from being an active part of gospel ministry through the local church.

Don’t worry, I can certainly help you find a spot to serve.

We need YOU active in the work!!!

1 Corinthians 3:9 “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”

B. John’s willingness to obey Jesus

Why did John agree so quickly?

Of course he was awe struck at what Jesus was asking him to do.

However, after Jesus clarified, John was anything than “Johnny come lately.” He was “Johnny on the spot!”

John never had in question who Jesus was to him.

APPLICATION

Did you know that your continued resistance and delay to follow Jesus FULLY is synonymous with saying, “I don’t know this Jesus.”

You have simply joined Peter as he once said, “I don’t know Him.”

Either in baptism or any other move of obedience. It is all considered here.

C. The Trinity’s proclamation of Jesus

Jesus was emersed!

Picturing what He had come to do for all mankind.

The great cornerstone was laid for the church.

Jesus’ true identity was declared by the trinity.

The world heard “in whom” the Father is pleased.

“In Christ”

“Rooted”

“Put on Christ”

“Follow Christ”

“Keep my commandments”

Just as we don’t probably know all the implications of Jesus’ baptism and at the least it was simply a command from His Father, we should follow the command of our Father.

At the least you could reduce Jesus’ baptism to simple obedience.

At the least, you could reduce God’s call on you to be baptized an act of simple obedience.

Jesus did not let John the Baptist keep Him from following His Father’s command.

YOU should let nothing stand in your way of following your Heavenly Father!!!

Conclusion

Will you follow Jesus?

Do you need to place your faith in Jesus as Savior?

Do you need to follow in scriptural baptism?

Are you not yet actively involved in serving through your church?

Do you need to repent from not being 100% faithful to worship?