John the Baptist on the Necessity of Baptism
We can rejoice in our own need and the gift we receive through baptism given by the same one by whom John desired to be baptized.
The Hebrew Stories Swimming Beneath Jesus’s Baptism
Matthew’s account of Jesus's baptism is only 5 verses and about 100 Greek words long, but multiple Hebrew stories are swimming right below the surface.
Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-9 (The Baptism of Our Lord: Series A)
In chapter 41 the servant is identified as Israel, but chapter 42 is a different servant. In fact, Matthew 12:18-21 makes the ID clear—this Servant is Jesus!
Epistle: Romans 6:1-11 (The Baptism of Our Lord: Series A)
This text explicates the Christian life in light of the reality of Christ’s lordship and the gift of the Holy Spirit amidst a world and a Church which has not experienced the fullness of redemption and recreation itself.
Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 (The Baptism of Our Lord: Series A)
Jesus did not need to be baptized. But he did it. Why?