The Baptism of Jesus (The Ministry of John the Baptist)

Reading Portion

Mark 1:2-6; Matthew 3:13-17

Lesson Content

1. John the Baptist was a messenger sent to prepare the way for Jesus. He was clothed with camel’s hair and a skin girdle about his loins. He ate locusts and wild honey (Mk.1:2,6).

2. He preached in the wilderness about the baptism of repentance. He baptized those who repented in the river Jordan (Mk.1:4,5).

3. No one had given this baptism of repentance, until John the Baptist. As he was sent to give baptism he was called by this name.

4. Jesus came to John to be baptized by him (Matt.3:13).

5. He forbade Jesus, saying “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” (Matt.3:14).

6. Jesus answered, “Suffer it to be s o now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness”. Then he baptized Jesus (Matt.3:15).

7. When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were opened unto Him. The Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove and a voice was heard from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt.3:16,17).

Moral

If we fulfil the righteousness of God with humility then God will be well pleased with us.