THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
(a) Narrate the events that led to the statement "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased."
(b) Discuss four steps to take to become committed to God.
(A) EVENTS THAT LED TO THE STATEMENT "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON WITH WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED" (MATTHEW 3:13-17, MARK 1:9-11, LUKE 3:21-22.)
i. All the synoptic gospels reported the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, thus their account were very identical.
ii. According to the gospels, Jesus came down from Nazareth of Galilee to be baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan.
iii. Matthew records the John recognized Jesus as the expected Messiah when he saw Him.
iv. He wondered why Jesus should come to him for baptism since Jesus was superior to him.
v. John, therefore, became hesitant in baptizing Jesus.
vi. However, Jesus persuaded John to baptize him saying, let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.
vii. John then agreed and had Jesus baptized.
viii. As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened and the Spirit of the Lord descended upon Him like a dove.
ix. Then a voice was heard from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased."
x. The text above alluded to the baptism of Jesus as an event that marked Jesus' call into the ministry.
xi. The voice quoted confirmed Jesus as the Messiah/ anointed son/the Christ.
xii. Jesus got baptized in order to identify Himself with the sinners He came to redeem.
xiii. The Holy Spirit which came upon Jesus led and guided Him to do God's will.
xiv. Going to John for baptism was a sign of lending support to John's work.
xv. There is disparity among the synoptic gospels about the time the dove descended on Jesus; while Matthew and Mark said that this happened as Jesus was being baptized, Luke said it happened after the baptism.
xvi. Similarly, only Matthew reported John's reluctance to baptize Jesus.
xvii. Luke reported that after He had been baptized, Jesus prayed and the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended upon Him.
xviii. The voice from heaven made Jesus conscious of his Messiahship and of His future suffering.
xix. The significance of the voice at Jesus' baptism indicates that he had the fullest realization that he was the messiah through suffering, service and obedience to God.
xx. By submitting to John's baptism, Jesus gave his approval of John's ministry of baptism and repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(B) STEPS TO TAKE TO BECOME COMMITTED TO GOD
i. Obedience to God's commandments/trusting and relying on God.
ii. Engaging in church duties and activities, e.g. worship, seminars, crusades, evangelism, etc.
iii. Scripture studies and its application to life.
iv. Tolerance/respect for other faiths.
v. Knowing more about the beliefs and practices of one's religion.
vi. Caring for the poor and needy.
vii. Seeking forgiveness through confession and forgiving one another.
viii. Readiness to accept responsibility.
ix. Purity and holiness by living a morally upright life.
x. Being prayerful and God-fearing.
xi. Loving/respecting one another.
xii. Patriotism/concern for one's nation.
xiii. Obedience to civil authority/patriotism.
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