jesus begins his ministry jesus’ baptism and temptation

Jesus Begins His Ministry

Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation

John’s Baptism

• Jews had long practiced ritual washings– Symbol of washing away the impurities of the

world– Rededication of oneself to God– Ritual of purification– Some did this only occasionally – Special occasions (Wedding in Jn 2)– Some practiced it daily (Essenes at Qumran)– Some in rivers, streams – pools (mikvah)

Inside the Burnt House in Jerusalemhttp://www.facingthechallenge.org/stonejars.htm

Stone jar from burnt house in Jerusalemwww.Bibleplaces.com

• John’s baptism out in the desert reflects his challenge to the religious authorities – Called people out away from the religious

corruption in Jerusalem and the Temple– Challenged people to repent and rededicate

their lives to God– God would forgive them if they did these

things

• Jesus chose to associate himself with John for several reasons– He agreed with John’s emphasis on

• Purity• Repentance• Rededication to God’s ways

– He also would challenge the religious leaders– John was challenging/working with all people,

not just the powerful and wealthy

• Jesus identified himself with all those in need of spiritual purification and repentance– These are the people he spent most of his

time with

• Jesus was publicly acknowledging his acceptance of his role God had given him– He had come to realize his unique

relationship with God

• Jesus’ baptism was a demonstration of his willingness to accept God’s will for him– Mt. 3:15 – “to fulfill all righteousness”

• Righteousness has to do with being right with God; to do the will of God – to fulfill his purpose

• Jesus’ baptism was a commitment to God and the task reserved for him– This was a demonstration of his determination

to carry out the will of the Father

• The voice from heaven indicates the Father’s approval– References to OT passages

• Ps. 2:7 “I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He has said to me, ‘You are my son, today I have begotten you.” (originally referring to king on coronation day)

• Is. 42:1 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations.”

• The dove is a symbol of Jesus’ being anointed with the Spirit from God.

Jesus’ Temptation

• Immediately after the baptism, Jesus spent time in solitude reflecting on his ministry ahead– Prayer, fasting, reflection – preparation

• Reflecting on his commitment, he is confronted with other alternatives – “Easier” – “More exciting” – More “self-satisfying”– Satan is always ready to offer “other, more appealing

ways”

• The quality of Jesus’ commitment is being tested– Each time Satan confronts him – “If you are

the son of God.”– Jesus has been acknowledged as God’s son

– now that is being tested – just how good of a son is he?

• Will he use his abilities in selfish ways?– To promote himself– To satisfy his own needs– To show the world he can “rule the world”

• The way he had chosen would be difficult; the way being offered to him would be much easier – and attract more followers

• That’s what was so appealing; that’s why it was a temptation

• Three temptations– Turn stones to bread

• Now for himself; later he could feed all the hungry

– Jump off the Temple• Now – prove to himself that God really will protect

him; later to prove to the world and gain a following

– Control the nations• This would be immediate – have the world now;

isn’t that what Jesus wanted?• Did it really belong to Satan?

• A.M. Hunter presents these as messianic temptations– Economic messiah– Miracle-working messiah– Political messiah

• Why were these temptations to Jesus?

• In what ways was Jesus vulnerable?

• How did he know these would tempt Jesus?

• How well did Satan know Jesus?

• Significance of the temptations– Each time he reflects on scripture – Israel in

the wilderness• The son (Israel) that did not do so well when tested

– They help him develop his priorities for his ministry

• Obedience to the will of God• Trust in God that asks no proof• Dedicated allegiance which excludes all lesser

claims

• Satan was not finished with him– Luke 4:13 “and when the devil had ended

every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.”

• Jesus had made a commitment and set his priorities

• For us it is much the same

• Baptism is about making a commitment

• Temptation is about remaining true to that commitment and establishing our priorities in life