The baptism of Jesus by John.
The baptisms of Jesus at the Jordan were two, viz. that ministered by John and that ministered by the Holy Ghost. The former now claims attention. Jesus himself sought this baptism. Why?
I. WHY DID JESUS COME TO THE JORDAN?
1. That the Scripture might be fulfilled.
3. Both authentications took place at the same spot. John baptized at Bethabara (John 1:28). This place had its name, the "House of passage," from the passage of Israel under Joshua through the Jordan there. What a tissue of wonders is the providence of God!
2. That the mission of Jesus might be indicated.
II. WHY DID JESUS COME TO JOHN?
1. John himself was astonished at this.
2. He came to fulfil all righteousness.
III. WHY DID JESUS COME "THEN"?
1. He was then of the legal age to enter upon his ministry.
2. The juncture was fitting.
The baptism of Jesus by the Holy Ghost.
After receiving John's baptism, Jesus "went up straightway from the water." He did not remain to make confession of sin, and for the obvious reason that he had none. He went up "from the water," or ascended the outer hank of the Jordan; for John appears to have ministered his baptism within the double bank of that river. Then "lo, the heavens were opened unto him," etc. An interval is here clearly marked between the baptism of John and that of the Holy Ghost, to show that the baptisms are distinct. The latter was the true baptism of Jesus.
I. THE SCENE MANIFESTED THE BLESSED TRINITY.
1. Here is Jesus, declared to be the Son of God.
2. He is so declared by the voice of the Father.
3. The Spirit of the Father rests upon the Son.
II. THE BAPTISM INTRODUCED JESUS INTO HIS PROPHETIC OFFICE.
1. As to the fact
2. As to the form.
3. As to the effect.
III. THIS BAPTISM WAS THE FIRST ACT IN THE CONSECRATION OF JESUS TO HIS PRIESTHOOD.
1. In the complete consecration the baptisms are three.
2. We are here concerned with the first of these.
HOMILIES BY R. TUCK