Introduction
John the Baptiser comes to introduce Jesus.
Questions
1. Why was John the Baptiser different from other people?
v 4 Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
2. Why didn't John want to baptise Jesus?
v 14 But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and you come to me?”
3. What three unusual events happened at Jesus’ baptism?
v 16 ... the heavens were opened to him … the Spirit of God descending as a dove ...
and v 17 ... a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Summary Points
- v 1 to 3 John the Baptiser comes ahead of Jesus as predicted by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 40
- v 4 to 12 People from Judea and around the river Jordan come to John. He baptises them and they confess their sins. He tells the Pharisees and Sadducees that living as though they have repented is more important than claiming to be Abraham's children
- 13 to 17 John is reluctant to baptise Jesus because he thinks that Jesus should be baptising him. Jesus replies that he should be baptised to enable him to do what is right. After Jesus is baptised God's Spirit descends on him and a voice says that Jesus is God's Son and he is well pleased with him