Title: River Jordan/Matthew 3:13-17
Contents The Great Pilgrimage of Life (5) Jordan River/Matt 3:13-17
There have been many biblical events that took place on this river, but two are the most important historical events. One is the fact that in the Old Testament, Joshua brought the Israelites across this river and entered the Promised Land, Israel, from the present-day Jordanian state. Another is the fact that in the New Testament, Jesus was baptized here by “John the Baptist” (John the Baptist). In commemoration of this, pilgrims still hold a baptismal ceremony in a place called Yardenit, although it is not the same place where Jesus was baptized (the original baptism site was near the Alevi Bridge near the Jordan-Israeli border). On the wall of this baptistry, there is also a Korean scripture board erected by our church. In the life of Jesus, the event of baptism is very important. Because that was the beginning of his public life. So, what was the meaning of his baptism by John?
1. He set an example for us to follow.
Baptism (baptism) is universally understood as the ordinance announcing that we believe in Jesus and receive the forgiveness of sins and become a new person. However, in Christian doctrine, Jesus, who was conceived and born by the Holy Spirit, confesses that He was without a sin nature. So, what is the meaning of Jesus' baptism? Although there are many different theological views, the baptism of Jesus is commonly referred to as a 'model baptism' or a 'baptism of identification'. ‘Baptism of identification’ means that God, who is identified with sinners, took upon himself our sins, and was baptized in the place of sinners like us in our place. “Model baptism” means that Jesus did not need to be baptized himself, but was baptized with the intention of being a complete example so that his disciples who would follow Jesus profess their faith by baptism and come after him. In fact, doesn't the Bible teach that the entire life of Jesus Christ is an example for us to follow? Remember 1 Peter 2:21? “-Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” Then his baptism is also an example for us to follow.
The question is, can we, as imperfect humans, follow Jesus' example?
That is the role of the Holy Spirit here. Although Jesus was God, he lived a life led by the Holy Spirit. Did you not testify that at the moment of being baptized by John in the Jordan and coming up from the water, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove! Verse 16. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” you can see Then what could be more important than seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit and being led by the Holy Spirit! Do you want to live a life that imitates the great life of Jesus? Then, above all else, seek the filling and power of the Holy Spirit. And follow Christ's example.
Do you know any Christian books that have sold throughout history, second only to the Bible? By Thomas a Kempis (Imitatio Christi). Some say that the reason is the content as well as the title rather than the content. That is why this book is considered one of the least read books. Nevertheless, the reason why this book has not departed from the interest of Christians in all ages is that imitation of Christ is our longing and concern. However, there is only one answer to these longings and concerns. We live by being filled with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. If Christ was also filled with the Holy Spirit and needed to be led by the Holy Spirit, how much more do you and I, who are still swaying due to imperfection and deduction, need to live in pursuit of the fullness of the Holy Spirit?
2. It is the beginning of a new life.
For Jesus, the Jordan River baptism was a new beginning of our Lord's public life.
It is the same with us saints. Our baptism officially marks the beginning of a new life for us. Romans 6:3-4 is the passage that best reveals the meaning of baptism in the Bible. “Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ and Jesus were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore, by baptism into his death, we were buried with him, to the glory of the Father. so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through us, so we too may walk in newness of life.” We have already said that baptism has the meaning of 'identify', but in this verse it is used in the sense of 'union'. Our baptism means that we are united to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, when we perform 'immersion' in the Baptist Church, going into the water is my funeral where I die with Christ, and coming out of the water is my resurrection ceremony to live a new life with Christ.
3. He showed the beginning of obedience.
For Jesus, his entering into public life was also the beginning of a life of calling to become the high priest of mankind. Interestingly, the priests of the Old Testament were also inaugurated as priests at the age of 30 (Numbers 4:3), and one of the priests' inauguration ceremonies was a bathing ceremony by immersing their whole body in water (Leviticus 15-16). We testify that you have come to this earth as our great high priest. He fulfilled the vocation of the high priest to atone for our sins by sacrificing his holy body and offering an eternal sacrifice once for all on the altar called the cross of Calvary. Therefore, for him, the Jordan River baptism was a sign of obedience to this holy work of redemption. Didn't Jesus himself say in Mark 10:45, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many”. How could God the Father not be pleased when he immersed himself in the Jordan River to obey his calling? What does verse 17 say? “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
If so, baptism should still be the beginning of obedience for you and me. First of all, if there are those of us who still believe in the church or Jesus but have not obeyed baptism, please do so first. Because baptism is the Lord's command to those who have begun to follow him. How does the ground command begin? “Therefore, go ye and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)? And with baptism, you should begin a true life of obeying His commands. Even if sometimes obeying his orders is hardship, loss, and pain for me.