Sermon Theme
Who gives much thought to their baptism?
I suppose families about to have children baptized think a lot about it. Perhaps they may think of own baptism, especially if a baptism gown – heir loom may be involved.
Of course baptism as an adult brings it’s own powerful memories
Is one baptism the same as another? Does any baptism have more significance than another?
Today we discover there was one baptism that had Heaven gasping for breath as it were Jesus’ submitting to John’s baptism speaks volumes about His love & glory… and that of the Father’s love for us as well!
Sermon outline
- A MOST CRUCIAL MOMENT IN HISTORY
- CHRIST TAKES UP OUR LOAD OF SIN
- GOD IN THE FLESH!
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Readings
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 6, QA 16-19
QA.16 Why must He be truly human and truly righteous?
God's justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.
QA.17 Why must He also be true God? A. So that, by the power of His divinity,
He might bear the weight of God's anger in His humanity and earn for us and restore to us
righteousness and life.
QA.18 And who is this mediator__ true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.
QA.19 How do you come to know this?
The holy gospel tells me.
God Himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise;
later, He proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets,
and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law;
finally, He fulfilled it through His own dear Son.
Text
Matthew 3:13–17 (NIV84)
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
