John the Baptist and The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3)

I said, where'd you get your information from, huh?
You think that you can front when revelation comes?
- The Beastie Boys

Shouting in the Wilderness

John the Baptist was odd, however, this seems to be status quo for prophets.  What is interesting is not his dress, diet, or tenacity but this declaration: 

Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
- Matt 3:9 NLT

John calls for everyone to repent and turn to God, even the religious leaders whom he calls snakes.  Even though I am a Christian it doesn't mean that I do not have to repent.

The Christ Predicted

John says someone great is coming, so great John isn't even worthy enough to carry his sandals (or baptize him).  If I had been on the shore that day I would have been terrified of the image John paints of the Messiah.  If the Messiah selects me as a good guy then I am put in a fire with the "Holy Spirit" (which I would have assumed a powerful angel)... and if I'm a bad guy then I'm put in an eternal fire!  Either way I get put in the fire... ugh!

[Start notes added after group discussion]

Everybody explored the use of fire in these verses.  It was agreed that baptism by fire was a purifying fire while the eternal fire is not at all pleasant.

What does it mean to produce good fruit?  If it is only good deeds then, from the perspective of a non-Christian, how are we different from an ethical atheist?  Think about that the next time you say to yourself, "I witness through my lifestyle."  You should also speak the Good News.  Is good fruit creating seeds in others, bringing others to Christ?  I can't accept that it is simply good deeds or limited to having faith.

[End notes from group discussion]  

My guess is the image of an angel on the threshing room floor would be dramatic for a Jew.

Baptism

The word "baptism" isn't in the OT, although a similar ritual was called a Mikvah.  Interesting that a Mikvah can use "living water" aka from a river, stream, and other natural bodies (as opposed to a tub, baptistery, etc).

Jesus' Baptism

Jesus, if He is without sin, does not need to be baptized.  Matthew alludes to this fact however Jesus instructs him to go ahead to "carry out all that God requires."  Where is this requirement?

[Post discussion addition]  David read from The Life Application Bible Commentary on Matthew* these two salient points:

1. Jesus took on the people's sin and was getting baptized for them.
2. Jesus was leading by example. 

Interesting reads:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism_of_Jesus
• http://www.carm.org/questions/Jesus_baptized.htm
• http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-baptized.html

Spiritual King

Matthew continues the king theme, now he is identifying Jesus as the Son of God.

Application

I am a sinner, I am a sinner.  John's cry to repent is just as applicable to me as those on the shore that day.  I have chosen Jesus yet I still knowingly sin.

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. - Matt 3:8 NLT

This verse is not a call to act like you are a Christian but for your actions to reflect that you are a Christian.  Do you really feel remorse for your sins?  Be honest, some maybe, but all? 

For those sins that you do regret but repeat, why repeat them?  Do the perceived benefits outweigh the true benefits of not sinning?  Perhaps because the perceived benefits are just that, more easily realized.  Is so, this is a symptom of separation from God which leads to further separation.

What sins you do not regret?  Why not? 

Remember what Christ said, "we must carry out all that God requires."  He didn't say "I must," He said, "we must."  He did not say "God requests" but "God requires."  John had to rise to meet God's plan (he didn't feel worthy to baptize Jesus) and so must the rest of us; we can do what God asks us to do. 

Let Christ be your model of self-discipline.  All through His ministry He knew how it would end, on a cross with a spear in His side.  However, He knew the true end...  and so do you:  God will be exalted among all the nations.  Look to God to buttress you and practice self-discipline so you can be a better disciple.

* Life Application Bible Commentary on Matthew by Bruce B. Barton, Mark Fackler, Linda K. Taylor, and David R. Veerman. Copyright 1996 by The Livingstone Corporation.  Published by Tyndale House Publishers in Carol Stream, Illinois.