Title Matthew 3:11~17 (2011.7.6)
Contents
Title: True Humility
Text: (Matthew 3:11~17)
Hymn: 80. of the names in heaven
Date: July 6th, 2011 (Wednesday) 5 am
Venue: Jeonju Yebut Church Small Worship Room
There is an old saying, 'Yokzonseongyeom' (欲尊先謙). It means, “If you want to be respected by others, you must first be humble.” As such, humility is an indispensable wisdom for human life. We find humble Wihins in the Bible. Jesus and John the Baptist in the text are representative figures of humility.
1. I am by water, he is by the Spirit and fire (verses 11-12)
John the Baptist introduces himself as the one who baptizes with water and the one who comes after him as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He says that he only baptizes with water, but the one who comes after baptizes them with the Holy Spirit, making them children of God and judging them with fire. In addition, he says that he is nothing more than a humble being who cannot even bear his shoes. In other words, do not pay attention to yourself, but look to the Messiah to come. He says that the Messiah to come will be the one who will gather the wheat and bring it into the barn and burn the chaff with unquenchable fire, which is in line with his sermon about bearing fruit. John the Baptist was the voice that came to prepare the way for Jesus. Like John the Baptist, we should humbly live a life that exalts Jesus and strive to live a fruitful life.
2. Jesus' baptism (verses 13-16)
Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus, who is God, was without sin and did not need to be baptized. Jesus told John the Baptist that baptism fulfills all righteousness. The baptism that Jesus received was not a 'baptism of repentance'. It was the stage in which Jesus confirmed his obedience at the beginning of his public ministry. In this scene we see the humility of Jesus. The righteousness Jesus spoke of here means a right relationship with God. To live worthy of the purpose that God sent to this earth is righteousness. Jesus lived a life that was fit for the purpose of his coming to this earth. We too must humbly live a life faithful to the mission entrusted to us.
3. Beloved Son (v. 17)
When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. And from heaven, “This is the Son I love. I like him.” God's words were heard. God declared Jesus the Son of God and the Messiah. These words can also apply to us. God's children are to please God. Also, the fact that God's Holy Spirit has officially descended shows that time is passing urgently toward the completion of the eschatological work of salvation. Heaven is near. How should we live in the face of eschatological history? Are we beloved sons in God's sight and are we delighted in them?
John the Baptist and Jesus lived humble lives. He clearly knew what his mission was and lived a life worthy of it. Such a life becomes the joy of God. Today, God wants us to move silently for the kingdom of God with a humble heart.
<Prayer>
1. Let me be used for the Lord with a humble heart!
2. Let the anointing of the Holy Spirit overflow in the Wednesday worship service and the fire of intercession may be kindled!
3. Heal and restore our weak members!