1) WATER
BAPTISM
2) SPIRITUAL
BAPTISM
3) THE LORD’S
SUPPER / HOLY COMMUNION / EUCHARIST
WATER BAPTISM:
From Greek — "to overwhelm, i.e. fully wet; to cover wholly with water; complete immersion."
- The importance of water baptism in the Christian’s profession of faith in Christ Jesus:
In the New Testament (NT) we find the herald, God’s anointed and official messenger of His Christ, John the Baptist, baptizing and "preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Lk.3:3). John admonished those seeking baptism to offer to God "fruits worthy of repentance" (8). See also vs. 4-17.
Note, John the Baptist began his preaching on the heels of the end of the Inter-testament Period (a 400 year period) also known as the 400 silent years of Jewish history.
What were the 400 silent years?
The history of the Old Testament ends about 400 years before that of the New Testament. Between the two Testaments is a period often called 400 years of silence, because according to Jewish tradition, no prophet spoke in the land of Israel during this period.
Then along comes John the Baptist!
John the Baptist
Video 1
Video 2
These "friuts worthy of repentance" include:
(a) share what you have with those who don’t have (v.11 e.g. communal living / exercise neighbourly love, generosity, and care);
(b) don’t overcharge others (vs.12-13 e.g. business owners / managers);
(c) neither be violent towards / oppress others (e.g. Roman soldiers of that era--which may include all law enforcement officers today);
(d) nor make false accusations against others (e.g. witnesses in a legal matter);
(e) and be contented with your wages (v.14 e.g. employees / workers).
The Prophetic Word & Prophetic Sign: John 1:19-34
19 Now this
was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent
priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not
fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”
21 They asked him, “Then who
are you? Are you Elijah?”
He said, “I am not.”
*“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”
22 Finally they said, “Who
are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say
about yourself?”
23 John replied in the words
of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the
wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
24 Now the Pharisees who had
been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if
you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
26 “I baptize
with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one
who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
28 This all happened at
Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This
is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me
because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know
him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed
to Israel.”
32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
*The Prophet
15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. 16 For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” 17 The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.
Notice in verse 18 it says he will put his words in the mouth of this prophet, now compare that with Jesus' words in John 8:28–29:
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
Thus, both God and Moses describe the Messiah as 'a prophet.' Jesus is giving us a hint that He is “the prophet” mentioned in Deuteronomy. Later the apostle Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:18 in Acts 3:22,
For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.
And again in Acts 7:37,
“This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.’
Notice how the prophecy says the prophet will be like Moses, Jesus is the best description of this because as Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, Jesus leads us out of the bondage of sin.
Therefore, John’s baptism, a prophetic sign, a dramatic action which, like his prophetic
words, proclaimed the divine will. Once performed, the prophetic sign, like the
prophetic word, could not be undone. John’s message and baptism both point
forward to the one who follows him. His baptism is 'the beginning of the gospel message' (Mk.11:27-33; Acts 1:22; 10:36-37).
Water baptism demonstrates to the Christian the importance of repentance, i.e.
to turn away from a life of sin and follow wholeheartedly the Way of Christ,
expressed through the gospel message (Mat.3:1-6).
The full immersion of the Christian in water is a public demonstration of their
profession of faith in Christ Jesus, i.e. His death, burial and resurrection.
Water, as an agent of purification, is symbolic of the Christian being 'washed
clean' of sin. Moreover, the Christian’s 'resurrection from a watery grave'
affirms their hope of eternal life with Christ, who rose from the grave (1Cor.15:3-4, 12-22; Col.2:12; 1Pet.3:21).
1) Christ, in obedience to the will of Father God, was baptized (Mat.3:13-17).
2) The first appointed apostles of Christ also baptized new converts / disciples (Jn.4:1-3).
3) Water baptism remained a fixed doctrine and practise of the early Church (Mat.28:19; Acts 2:38-39,41; 8:12-17,27-39; 9:17-18; 10:36-48; 16:13-15,27-33; 18:8; 19:1-6; Rom.6:1-5; 1Cor.1:13-17; 10:1-2; 15:29; Gal.3:27; Heb.6:1-3).
4) Being baptized in water is separate /
different / distinct from being baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8). Both forms of baptism
are necessary (Jn.3:1-8).
5) A person is not saved (i.e. born again) by
water baptism but by faith in Christ Jesus (Mk.16:15-16;
Lk.7:36-50; 8:12; Jn.3:16-17; Acts 2:21; 15:1-20; 16:27-31; Rom.5:9; 8:24;
10:9-13; Eph.2:5, 8-9; 2Tim.3:15; Titus 3:4-7; 1Pet.1:9).
No one greater than... yet greater than he.
Matthew 11:11: “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
What Made John the Baptist So Great?
1. Notwithstanding what is said of Moses, that there had “not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face”? (Deut. 34:10), Moses didn’t get to baptize the Son of God; John the Baptist did (Matt. 3:13–17).
2. Also, John the Baptist had the unique privilege to introduce the Messiah to Israel. All others before John could only foretell of Messiah's coming.
3. Of all the prophets, John alone saw the Messiah up close and helped usher in the kingdom of God. In short, John was greatest born among women because of his proximity and relationship to Jesus.
What Made him So Least?
1. Earlier, an imprisoned John had sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt. 11:2–3). This sounds almost shocking. One would think John would be the last person to ask such a question! But we must remember that despite his great privileges, John was still in a very real sense an Old Testament prophet (the last of his kind, signalling an end of the OT covenant - Heb. 8:6-13). He was also very much a human being experiencing and expressing doubt and despair.
2. Outranking John the Baptist should not be a matter of prideful boasting, but of humble rejoicing. Many prophets and kings longed to see the things we see and didn’t see them; to receive what we’ve received and didn’t receive it (Matt. 13:16; Heb. 12:39). If we have received a greater blessing than John, it’s only by sheer grace. After all, did we somehow choose to be born in the age of fulfillment, when Christ has brought life and immortality to light (2 Tim. 1:10)?
3. John prophesied of the One who would baptize God’s people with the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11). And while John was certainly filled with the Spirit in a real way (Luke 1:15), he didn’t live to experience the Pentecost outpouring he had predicted (Acts 2). But even the least new-covenant member is indwelt with the promised Holy Spirit, and lives under the established kingship of the ascended Christ (Joel 2:28–29; Rom. 8:9; Acts 2:33).
________________________________ Adapted from, "How Is the Least in the Kingdom Greater Than John the Baptist?"
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/least-kingdom-greater/ |
ADDENDUM
Note: The following insights are adapted from the notes of Sis. Melicia Crichlow, one of Fair View Church of the Nazarene's Bible Study Coordinators, who presented these revelations during our church's weekly Bible Study, Thursday, October 17, 2024 @7:30 pm.
Rich allusions (indirect references) to numerous Old Testament characters and the particular occasions surrounding them may be found in Jesus' baptism at the Jordan River. Each provides a more profound understanding of the importance of Jesus' ministry. Key similarities are as follows:
1. What is the prophetic connnection between Moses and Jesus?:
According to Deuteronomy 34:1-4, Moses, the prophet of the Old Testament Law, completed his ministry at the Jordan River because he was unable to cross into the Promised Land. The Old Covenant gives way to the New Covenant when Jesus, the One who gave the New Testament Law, starts His ministry at the Jordan. In Deuteronomy 18:15–16, Moses predicts the arrival of a prophet who is similar to himself. By providing a spiritual restatement and fulfillment of the Law that is to be engraved on believers' hearts, as predicted in Jeremiah 31:31–33, Jesus carries out this prophesy.
2. What is the prophetic connection betwen Joshua and Jesus?:
Just as Jesus begins His ministry at the Jordan, signifying spiritual deliverance and admission into God's Kingdom, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. Hebrew for "YAHWEH saves" (Yeshua) is the same name as Jesus, signifying their common function as saviours. While Joshua led Israel in their physical conquest of the Promised Land, Jesus provides spiritual salvation and victory over sin.
Joshua's leading of the Israelites across the Jordan River to reach the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14–17) marked the beginning of a new era and the realization of God’s promise to them. This incident is alluded to by Jesus' baptism at the same river, which signifies the start of His public ministry and the accomplishment of God's promise of salvation via Him. The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River marks the beginning of Joshua's mission, which is distinguished by a divine deed (Joshua 3). In contrast, the baptism of Jesus is distinguished or accompanied by supernatural signs, such as the opening of the heavens, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the voice of God confirming or proclaiming Jesus as His Son.
3. What is prophetic connection between Elijah, Elisha and Jesus?:
Elijah, the esteemed prophet, performed a miraculous feat by parting the waters of the Jordan River before being transported to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:8-11). This event symbolized the conclusion of Elijah's ministry and the transfer of his prophetic authority to his successor, Elisha.
After witnessing the departure of Elijah, Elisha crossed the Jordan River and assumed the prophetic mantle to carry on God's mission.
Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan echoes this moment. John the Baptist, often seen as a "new Elijah," passes the prophetic role to Jesus. Jesus' ministry would fulfill and surpass all previous prophets. Just as Elijah's ministry was sealed with a divine sign, Jesus' baptism was confirmed by the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and God's voice proclaiming, "This is My beloved Son."
Allusion After Jesus' Baptism
4. What is the prophetic significance of Jesus being labelled "the Second/Last Adam"?:
Jesus is also seen as the "second Adam," [or "last Adam" v.45 KJV] a concept rooted in Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:44-49. Adam's disobedience led to the introduction of sin and death into the world. However, Jesus' obedience results in salvation and eternal life.
Adam yielded to temptation in the Garden of Eden, while Jesus, following His baptism, resisted the temptations of Satan in the wilderness and ultimately fulfilled His sacred duty as the Redeemer of humanity. Moreover, Jesus, as the "second/last Adam" represents God's final covenant of redemption/salvation for sinful humanity. In other words, Jesus is the embodiment of God's Final Solution to the human problem of Sin (the act of rebelling against God's righteous standards; breaking God's moral code of conduct; acts of evil/wickedness against God's rules).
Where Adam failed by succumbing to temptation, Jesus succeeds by resisting it and fulfilling His role as Saviour:
This contrast emphasizes Jesus' redemptive work in reversing the effects of sin brought into the world through Adam's disobedience. Thus, the unmatched significance of John the Baptist's single most important prophetic declaration: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29 KJV). By this statement alone, John makes it clear that Jesus came to earth for a specific purpose, to remove the curse and penalty of sin (eternal death) from humanity and offer in its place eternal life: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23 NIV).
___________________________________________
SPIRITUAL BAPTISM:
To
be baptized by / in / with the supernatural power and ability of the Holy
Spirit constitutes spiritual baptism.
This is a gift from Father God which all who
believe the gospel are required to receive (Acts
1:4-5, 8; 2:38-39; 3:19; 8:12-17; 9:17-18; 10:1-2, 44-48; 18:24-26; 19:1-6;
Jn.3:3-6; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11, 13-14; Rom.8:9-11, 14-17).
Spiritual baptism can occur before or after
water baptism (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-48;
19:1-6).
Whether before or after water baptism, faith
in Christ Jesus and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit must precede the baptism in
the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, 8; 19:1-6;
Jn.16:7-11, 13-14).
THE LORD’S SUPPER / HOLY COMMUNION /
EUCHARIST:
This
'Supper within a supper', was first
introduced by Christ on the "night in which he was betrayed" (1Cor.11:23) during the occasion of the
Jewish Passover supper (Exo.12:1-8,
11-20; Lk.22:1-2, 7-8, 14-20).
It represents the enactment of a New Covenant
/ Testament by which all who believe in Christ must live by (Heb.9:11-28).
As a commandment from Christ, all Christians
are required to commemorate the Lord’s Supper (Exo.16:11-16; Jn.6:32-35, 47-68; 1Cor.11:23-34).
In the NT doctrine of the Church, Christ Jesus
is duly observed as the 'Passover Lamb' of Father God (Jn.1:29; 1Pet.1:18-19; Rev.5:6, 9).
The Jewish Passover represents emancipation
from Egyptian bondage (Exo.12:24-27).
The Christian Passover
represents emancipation from the curse of sin (Rom.6:23; 1Cor.15:3-4, 12-22, 26; Heb.10:1-22; Rev.20:14).
The early Church commemorated the Communion of
Christ (Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7;
1Cor.10:16-17).
Melchizedek, a symbol / type of Christ in the
Old Testament, offered Abram (later Abraham) bread and wine (Gen.14:17-24); a type of Communion
which foreshadows Christ’s own Supper and sacrifice (Heb.7:15-22).
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2012
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