Lord’s Day, Vol. 13 No. 39

Thou Art My Beloved Son

Luke 3:21-23 (KJV) 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. 23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, 

Here is recorded the baptism of Jesus. John, at first, refused till Jesus gave the reason that He must needs be baptised by John – Matthew 3:13-15 (KJV) Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 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.

Jesus explained that it was “to fulfil all righteousness”. The commentator Barnes explained well, “There was no particular precept in the Old Testament requiring this, but He chose to give the sanction of His example to the baptism of John, as to a Divine ordinance. The phrase “all righteousness,” here, is the same as a righteous institution or appointment. Jesus had no sin. But He was about to enter on His great work. It was proper that He should be set apart by His forerunner, and show His connection with him, and give His approbation to what John had done. Also, He was baptized, that occasion might be taken, at the commencement of His work, for God publicly to declare His approbation of Him, and His solemn appointment to the office of Messiah.”

OUTLINE

• Heavenly Identity – Christ’s Humanity (v21-22a)
  • Baptism & Prayer – Blessings Outpoured
    • Inauguration of a Spirit-filled Messianic Ministry (cf. Acts 1:8)
• Identified From Heaven – Christ’s Deity (v22b-23)
  • The Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit Affirmed 
    • Divine Unction for the Saving of Souls

The prophecies of Isaiah concerning the coming of Messiah the Saviour of the world was fulfilled on the occasion of Christ’s baptism and the inauguration of His earthly ministry at the age of 30, the age where the priest in the Old Testament begin their work  for the Lord – Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 

Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Psalm 2:7 (KJV) I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Isaiah 42:1 (KJV) 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.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee