(a) Examine the baptism of Jesus as narrated in Matthew's Gospel
(b) In what two ways is baptism relevant to Christian?
A) THE BAPTISM OF JESUS (MATTHEW 3:13-17)
i. When Jesus heard of the work of John the Baptist, he came down from Galilee to be baptized in the river Jordan.
ii, John was preaching baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
iii. When John saw Jesus he recognized Him as the expected Messiah - a man superior to him,
iv. "It is I who need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?" said John.
v. John therefore became hesitant in baptizing Jesus.
vi, Jesus however persuaded John to baptize Turn in order to fulfill righteousness.
vii. Based on this conviction, John consented to baptize Jesus through immersion.
viii. As He came out of the water, the heavens opened and the spirit of the Lord descended and alighted on Him like a dove.
ix, Immediately, a voice came from heaven saying, "This is my beloved son, with whom am well pleased".
x. The baptism prepared Jesus for His earthly ministry as it marked His call into public office.
xi. The descent of the spirit on Jesus was a symbol of Him being anointed as son of God/ being confirmed as the Messiah.
xii. . Jesus underwent baptism in order to identify with sinners whom He came to redeem.
xiii. The Holy Spirit which came upon Jesus led and guided Him to do God's will.
xiv. By going to John for baptism, Jesus was giving approval to John's baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
xv. Baptism therefore is a divine ritual necessary to fulfill all righteousness.
B) Relevance of Baptism
i. It marks membership to the Christian community/Identification with Christ and all Christians.
ii. It is a response to God's command.
iii. It is a symbol of the death and resurrection with Christ.
iv. It is a sign of repentance and forgiveness.
v. It marks a new beginning/creation/new life.
vi. It marks the physical and ritual cleansing of Christians.
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