The Day the Heavens Opened - Apr. 14th, 2024

Title: "Open Heavens: The Divine Endorsement of Christ"

Subtitle: “Prayer that Opens Heaven” or “Prayer that Brings the Power and Presence of God on Earth”

Introduction:

Engaging Story: Use a contemporary example of a significant public endorsement to draw parallels to the divine endorsement received by Jesus.

Illustration - the purpose of Get Acquainted Meetings in church planting: partly to free up the pastor and wife to meet new attendees, as well as for other pastors in the community to voice their endorsement of the man and ministry to which God has called him, urging those in the community to get behind both the man and the work.

Link to Scripture: Highlight the anticipation and spiritual preparation evident at the Jordan River (Luke 3:7-18).

Luke 3:7–18 KJV 1900

7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. 18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

Proposition: God reassures us through the baptism of Jesus that He identifies with humanity in its quest for divine favor, and He unequivocally affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, whose obedience and mission are our model and means of salvation.

Main Thought: God calls you to embrace and champion Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of your faith and the perfect example of obedience, empowering you to overcome false teachings and spiritual deceptions, following the true God in both personal and corporate righteousness.

Purpose Statement: Today, we explore how the baptism of Jesus serves not only as a divine affirmation of His identity and mission but also as a call for us to recognize and proclaim Him as the foundation of all truth and the model for our obedience.

I. Solidarity in Baptism (Luke 3:21)

Luke 3:21 KJV 1900

21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

A. Among Sinners:

Scripture: Matthew 3:5-6 - Describe the crowds coming for baptism as a backdrop to Jesus’ participation.

Matthew 3:5–6 KJV 1900

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Historical and Cultural Context: Explore the public and communal nature of baptism, as an expression of inward desire and repentance, preparing for the kingdom of God.

Insight: Emphasize Jesus choosing to be baptized not as a confession of sin, but to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).

Matthew 3:15 KJV 1900

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

B. Identification with Humanity:

Scripture: Hebrews 4:15 - Discuss Jesus as a high priest who is touched by our infirmities.

Hebrews 4:15 KJV 1900

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Solidarity with Sinners: Discuss how Jesus, being baptized alongside repentant sinners, illustrates His humility and connection to humanity. Highlight how Jesus was part of the crowd, intimately joining in a key ritual of repentance and divine seeking.

II. The Voice of Humility (Luke 3:15-16)

Luke 3:15–16 KJV 1900

15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

A. John’s Declaration:

Scripture: Luke 3:16 - John speaks of one mightier than he, setting the stage for Jesus.

Luke 3:16 KJV 1900

16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Cultural Insight: Explain the significance of John’s statement about the sandals and Jewish cultural expectations. Introduce Darrell Bock’s analysis of John’s statement about not being worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals. Explain the cultural context where, historically, Jews, post-deliverance from Egypt, were not supposed to be slaves and particularly not to handle another’s sandals, considered the lowest servant's task.

B. Supremacy of Christ:

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 - Connect John’s humility to Christ’s ultimate humility and exaltation.

Philippians 2:5–11 KJV 1900

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Magnifying Jesus' Supremacy: Use this cultural script to emphasize the profound humility of John and the unparalleled supremacy of Jesus. This vividly illustrates that Jesus’ status is beyond the highest human honors, setting the stage for His divine endorsement at baptism.

III. Heaven Speaks (Luke 3:21-22)

Luke 3:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

A. Heaven Opened:

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1 - Relate to Old Testament imagery of heaven opening in moments of divine revelation.

Isaiah 64:1 KJV 1900

1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, That the mountains might flow down at thy presence,

B. Spirit Descends: (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; John 1:29-34)

Scripture: Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16 - Discuss the Spirit's role in creation and new creation, symbolized by the dove.

Genesis 1:2 KJV 1900

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Matthew 3:16 KJV 1900

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

C. Divine Proclamation:

Scripture: Psalm 2:7; Matthew 17:5 - Explore the affirmation of Jesus as God’s Son in both the baptism and the Transfiguration.

Psalm 2:7 KJV 1900

7 I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee.

Matthew 17:5 KJV 1900

5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 53 - Show how Jesus is not only the Son of God, but also the Suffering Servant that was prophesied to die for sin.

Isaiah 42:1 KJV 1900

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 53 KJV 1900

1 Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: And who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: For the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, And with the rich in his death; Because he had done no violence, Neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

IV. Christological Implications (Luke 3:22)

Luke 3:22 KJV 1900

22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

A. Affirmed Sonship:

Scripture: John 1:34 - John the Baptist testifies to seeing the Spirit descend and affirms Jesus’ divine sonship.

John 1:34 KJV 1900

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

B. Messianic Mission Initiated:

Scripture: Acts 10:37-38 - Discuss how Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of His ministry of healing and preaching.

Acts 10:37–38 KJV 1900

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Heed the Call (Luke 3:21-22)

Luke 3:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Combat False Teachings:

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-21 - Urge reliance on eyewitness accounts and prophetic words as more sure than personal interpretations.

2 Peter 1:16–21 KJV 1900

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Spiritual Resilience:

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 - Equip with spiritual armor to stand against deceptions.

Ephesians 6:10–18 KJV 1900

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Obedience and Witness:

Scripture: Romans 6:3-4 - Encourage living out the baptismal commitment to new life in Christ.

Romans 6:3–4 KJV 1900

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Following Jesus’ Example: Motivate the congregation to emulate Jesus' exemplary response to divine calling, emphasizing obedience and submission to God's will as paths to divine favor and power.

Path of Obedience: Emphasizing the Christian life as one of looking upward to heaven, receiving God’s power, and delighting the Heavenly Father.

Conclusion:

Summary and Reiteration: Summarize the theological significance of Jesus' baptism as foundational to Christian faith.

Call to Action: Challenge the congregation to a deeper commitment and reflection on their baptismal vows.

Closing Prayer: Pray for renewal and empowerment to live according to the gospel, following Jesus' perfect example.