The Purpose of the People of God - 3:13-17
The Purpose of the People of God - Matthew • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 45:54
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The Purpose of the People of God
The Purpose of the People of God
13 Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.
16 And after being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, 17 and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Let’s Pray
13 Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John to be baptized by him.
Historical Present - arrives - utilized for emphasis
Following the consequences explained in verses 7-12, Matthew emphasizes the arrival of the King.
From Galilee to the Jordan, this is most likely back to the region south of Galilee where Jesus had originally fled from in Matthew 2 at the warning of the angels.
“to be baptized by him” - This is a different phrase than what we saw last week, showing a different intention by Jesus than by the Pharisees and Sadducees.
14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
Remember the comparison from last week and John’s perspective of Jesus?
11 “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
It is out of this lens that JtB is protesting Jesus’ request
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.
Permit it!
Jesus doesn’t correct John
John’s perspective is not wrong
John doesn’t have the full picture
At this time/Now
John doesn’t know the timing of what is happening
Nor does John know the fullness of what is taking place
“it is fitting for us”
Jesus recognizes John the Baptist’s part to play
This is for both of them to participate
Many scholars believe Matthew’s audience would have identified themselves in the plural “us” here adding to the call to righteousness.
“to fulfill all righteousness”
What does this phrase mean?
πληροω - to fulfill
In Matthew, this is used 16 times
13 of these are indicative of fulfillment of prophecy
2 are “filling up” physically or metaphorically
and this is the remaining one
Given that proportion, it seems likely that there is a prophetic component to what is occurring here.
δικαιοσυνη - righteous, justice, or upright
33 times in Romans - Heavy in Pauline writing
Paul often uses this word to describe what occurs at salvation: the imputation, the covering, of righteousness by being placed in Christ
However, Matthew doesn’t seem to use the word that way.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Part of the Beatitudes
1 “Beware of doing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
Reward oriented, not a declaration of justification
32 “For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even regret afterward so as to believe him.
What did John preach?
2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Once again, this is not salvation, this is the kingdom is coming. Be Prepared!
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.
So in this instance, it would seem logical that there is a prophecy that is to be fulfilled concerning the upright/righteous work of Christ.
This is pointing ahead to verses 16 and 17 where prophecy regarding Jesus’ anointing is fulfilled.
Then our final phrase “Then he permits Him.”
Historical Present
John agreed and followed Jesus.
16 And after being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, 17 and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
After being baptized, Jesus came up from the water
and behold!
something important is about to happen.
the heavens were opened
1 Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence—
56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
1 Now it happened in the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
What is the vision that Ezekiel receives?
26 Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something in the likeness of a throne, like sapphire stone in appearance; and upon the likeness of the throne, high up, was the likeness of one with the appearance of a man.
27 Then I saw from the appearance of His loins and upward something like the gleam of glowing metal with the appearance of fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something with the appearance of fire; and there was a radiance all around Him.
28 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the radiance all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. And I saw this, and I fell on my face and heard a sound of a voice speaking.
The glory of Yahweh has arrived to speak with His people!
If you really want to pull on this thread, you may remember in Matthew 3.3 with the introduction of John the Baptists purpose there is a quotation from Isaiah:
3 A voice is calling, “Prepare the way for Yahweh in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. 4 “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
5 Then the glory of Yahweh will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of Yahweh has spoken.”
I’m getting ahead of myself!
16 And after being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him,
The heavens were opened precedes revelation from God
and “he”
who is the he?
Most of your texts probably render this lower case, some may include an alternative translation of capital “He”
The question is is this John the Baptist or Jesus. In my look at the Greek and other commentaries, it seems the modern consensus is that this is speaking of Jesus, and should be capitalized.
In Mark it is Jesus. In John, John the Baptist says he bore witness to this anointing. I believe in Matthew’s text that the He refers to Jesus, but if you disagree, that isn’t going to have significant bearing on the interpretation of the text.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
So Jesus is seeing this, He is the character in view here, and what does He see?
the Spirit of God descending like a dove
This is the visual anointing of the Spirit
At this point we need to deal with a common question of this passage:
Why did Jesus get baptized?
All scholars I’ve read agree that Jesus had no need of repentance.
In interpretation most people fall into 3 camps
Example
This is an example to us, but that sells the significance of what is occurring far too short
New Israel
In the continuation of the Exodus motif, there is a “New Israel” here, or rather Israel as it should have been. Jesus is rising out of the baptism and anointing as a new High Priest for Israel to fulfill its purpose,
6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”
This is not the church, therefore it is not the church replacing Israel, rather this is a new Israel as seen in coming out of Egypt, as seen coming through the Wilderness, as seen coming through the Exile. This is Israel refined.
Ministry Begins
Yes, Jesus’ ministry begins here, but once again, this sells the significance of the event short
So what is it?
Who remembers Christmas Eve of 2024?
Who remembers the associations of the Anointed in the Old Testament?
Priest
King
Prophet
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.
John, considered the last Old Testament prophet, is here to prepare, to proclaim, the Anointed One!
41 “You shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him; and you shall anoint them and ordain them and set them apart as holy, that they may minister to Me as priests.
Anointed by Moses, a prophet
The Priest (Ex 29.4-7 specifically the High Priest)
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
Anointed by Samuel, a prophet
The King
16 And after being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him,
In our passage today, we have JtB, a prophet, anointing the High Priest and King Jesus. So yes, this is an example to us. Yes, this is the marker of a new phase in Israel’s history as the exodus was prior. And yes, this the beginning of Jesus ministry. But more so, this is the anointing of Jesus and the beginning of the fulfillment of the covenants. This is what John the Baptist’s ministry is for!
17 and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Behold! - Pay Attention
previously the heavens were opened, revelation is forth coming. Here is the revelation:
The language here comes from two Old Testament passages, one in the Psalms and one in Isaiah.
The Isa passage is from 42.1.
1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul is well-pleased. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Several things to note in this verse
Behold - Pay Attention
Descriptions of this person:
My Servant - This is description of the Messiah
whom I uphold or hold fast
My chosen One
My soul is well-pleased
The Action of God - I have put My Spirit upon Him
Then we get the purpose of the Servant, the Chosen One, the One anointed by the Holy Spirit
1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul is well-pleased. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
I took some time this week to go back and listen to Johnny’s sermon on this, back in June of 2023. This is the first of the “Servant Songs” of Isaiah.
Johnny brought out the significance of the word “justice” (mispat)
As a judicial term it carries with it the ideas of punishment and deliverance.
What is this “justice” to the nations?
Whereas Isaiah gives us a purpose statement of the Servant, Matthew has also given us a purpose statement of Jesus:
21 “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
What is the “justice” of Matthew 1:21
I ask you, who is the recipient?
21 “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul is well-pleased. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
I hope the repetition is beginning to sink in.
What is Matthew preparing his audience to do?
Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always until the completion of the age.
Don’t miss the big picture!
Gospel of Matthew:
1:1-17 - Jesus is the Expected Jewish Messiah
1:18-25 - Jesus is the Son of God
2:1-12 - Gentiles (Magi) Recognize Jesus as King
2:13-23 - Redemption (Second Exodus) has come
3:1-6 - Change your why! The Kingdom is coming!
3:7-12 - The Sons of Abraham?!
3:13-17 - The coming King brings “justice” for the nations
Matthew has strongly oriented his intent in these first three chapters.
17 and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Now I mentioned earlier that this is a quotation from 2 different Old Testament Passages. We’ve looked at the Isaiah one, now let’s turn to Psalm 2.
Let’s get our context, which really begins at chapter 1.
Homework last week was to read Zechariah 13. This week it is to read Psalm 1-2
1 Why do the nations rage And the peoples meditate on a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against Yahweh and against His Anointed, saying,
So we begin with the picture of those in opposition to God.
Does this sound familiar to Matthew’s audience given what he has just written of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
Perhaps it resonates with you today.
But the Lord, Yahweh, responds:
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord mocks them. 5 Then He speaks to them in His anger And terrifies them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 “I will surely tell of the decree of Yahweh: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.
Here is our quotation, you are My Son, Today I have begotten you.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.
17 and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
So why does Matthew put this mashed up quotation into his narrative?
The Isaiah passage affirms what Matthew is preparing his readers for, but what about the Psalm passage?
For those of you who are reading ahead, what comes next?
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
If you’re familiar with the coming text, what is the devil going to offer Jesus?
8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”
Whose are these?
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.
They are the inheritance of Jesus Christ
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
And what will He do with this inheritance?
1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul is well-pleased. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
What do we do with this?
Sometimes application from a passage is hard. Usually that’s because the author, in this case Matthew, never wrote with the intention that we would just pull verses 13-17 and ask what do to with them.
With that being said, we don’t just teach for information’s sake, that was not the intention of the author as well.
As such, our application today comes from the narrative that Matthew is building in his writing. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots of specific application ahead, but remember chapters 1-4 are introduction of Matthew’s major thematic elements.
Takeaways
Do you know who Jesus the Messiah is?
Matthew is writing to Jewish believers. They know who Jesus is. They know the messianic expectation of the 1st century better than we do. So why does Matthew continue to harp on the kingship of Jesus?
I believe our perspective of the greatness of Jesus the Messiah needs to be expanded!
2. It is fitting for us
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.
Jesus’ invitation is for John the Baptist to participate
You have an invitation to participate as well. Are you participating?
VBS PLUG
3. Then Jesus arrives….
When things get hard, the refiner’s fire we discussed last week, where do you turn?
Often times I find myself guilty of talking to other before I talk to God.
Do I really think other people hold more authority than the God of the universe?
Let’s Pray
Benediction Scripture
17 and behold, there was a voice out of the heavens saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
