All signs point to Jesus: A journey through the book of Matthew, week 3.

 

Christmas rejoicing brings us the  promise of a king, but where there is a king, must be a kingdom. 

In this next chapter of Matthew , we see this term, ‘kingdom of heaven’ come up  but what exactly is this ‘kingdom of heaven’?  It really isn’t a physical place per se, but something more than that.  Some sources describe the kingdom of heaven as the gracious rule of God in our hearts.  The kingdom of heaven includes those who have converted or repent and those who profess.  Convert means to turn from your sin and accept Jesus into your hearts. Profess simply means to share this with others.

To repent means to radically transform our lives, completely change direction (not much unlike the Wise men did after they saw Jesus) from selfish unbelief to humble, sincere faith that recognizes our sins that condemn us and then turns and looks to God’s Son, Jesus Christ as our Savior.  For some people, this can happen in a single moment. For others, this can be a process over time.  I recall when I accepted Jesus into my heart.  I was raised in a church, but it wasn’t until I was in medical school attending a youth based church service, that I publicly accepted Christ. I realized my sins and that I needed him. This took an active decision on my part and Jesus was there with open arms. 

So you see, entering the kingdom of heaven requires repenting of sin and trusting the son who God has sent for sinners.

‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’!, shouts John the Baptist and the street preacher  holding the sign out on the sidewalk. 

If this is true then salvation is near and Jesus will save us from our sins. 

 When I read this chapter I wonder  why Jesus had to get baptized himself if he was without sin.  What does it even mean to get baptized?  

I found one resource explaining it like this: 

Jesus had to take our sin and guilt upon Himself—becoming a sinner so that He could be punished on the cross in our place, and we can be granted His righteousness and purity through our Baptism. It is as though we come to the waters of Baptism covered with sin and leave spotless. Jesus entered the water spotless and came out carrying the sins of the world. 

But we must remember, Jesus remained sinless and never committed sin even in the face of temptation as we learn in this next chapter.

Jesus came to be baptized because well for one, God commanded it (v.15) and two as an example to identify with sinners but also as a picture of salvation. 

What can we learn from the Pharisees?

John calls out the Pharisees in verses 7-10 for their sin of hypocrisy and points out that even they need to repent.  Their heritage couldn’t save them. 

Repentance involves conversion from our sins

To be baptized is to renounce our dependence on self and acknowledge that  we can’t save ourself even  our background.  Being born into a Christian family or infant baptism doesn’t save. We all still need to repent.

It wasn’t until years later after I accepted Jesus into my heart that I was baptized.  Even though I was raised in a church I still had to repent. 

This was also after I made the conscious decision to give up drinking alcohol and submit to God’s will after a time it had a hold on my life.  I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to express my devotion and new life of sobriety in Christ.  I was blessed to do this with my home church in the beautiful island waters of Oahu,  My oldest son, Andrew joined me in this special day and was baptized along side of me. 

Johns’ baptism was only partial as he tells us, Jesus will baptize us with  the Holy Spirit AND  fire.    Jesus will transform our hearts with the Spirit.

In the last verse we see God speaking from heaven about his son. There are only two other places in the Bible that mention God speaking from heaven about his son.  In Psalm 2, Jesus is God’s beloved son and in Isaiah 53:5 as Jesus our suffering servant.  All members of the trinity were evident.  God is literally pointing to Jesus as our savior!  

From this chapter we learn that Jesus is savior and righteous judge, loved by the father.  This teaches me that God is a god who saves and provides a savior.  I’ve learned that I am a sinner and need saving. We are called to tell the world like John did, repent and be baptized, trust the son and rest in his righteousness. 

Questions for chapter 4. 

Why did the Holy Spirit guide Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted?

Does God tempt us?

Could Jesus have sinned? 

Why did Jesus begin his ministry in Galilee instead of the center of Judaism in the city of Jerusalem or region of Judea? 

Why did Jesus miracles draw the crowds?