There are five individuals or groups specifically identified in this chapter. First there is John the baptizer. He arrives on the scene as the last of the Old Testament prophets preaching repentance and intimidated by no one.
Then comes the Pharisees and Sadducees. My first thought is, why are they coming? It appears that may be John's thought as well.
For these groups, ritual cleansing was extremely important. They would later challenge Jesus on this very issue: "Why don't your disciples wash before they eat?" This isn't a health concern. They viewed it as a major spiritual faux pas to neglect ceremonial washing before eating. They would have viewed John's baptism as just another ceremonial washing. John saw it as a symbol of repentance.
Then comes Jesus. There is no indication that he's dressed like a prophet, i.e. like John. John clearly understands that Jesus has nothing to repent of. Yet Jesus responds, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Mt 3:15)
There are two more characters in the story. The Holy Spirit descends and lands on Jesus in the form of a dove. The Father speaks from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." (Mt 3:17)
The stage is set for the story to come. These characters will play out a drama of eternal proportions over the next three years. The contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees is striking. They don't look any different. They don't talk differently. But, their hearts are miles apart. Jesus, though he has nothing of which to repent, identifies with sinners in his baptism. The Pharisees, though they don't have a clue about repentance, come for a ceremony.
Father, forgive me for the times I have been satisfied with external ceremony and missed what you were really about. May I serve you from the heart even if that means being misunderstood and rejected.
Matthew 3:4 NASB
Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Then comes the Pharisees and Sadducees. My first thought is, why are they coming? It appears that may be John's thought as well.
Matthew 3:7 NASB
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Then comes Jesus. There is no indication that he's dressed like a prophet, i.e. like John. John clearly understands that Jesus has nothing to repent of. Yet Jesus responds, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Mt 3:15)
There are two more characters in the story. The Holy Spirit descends and lands on Jesus in the form of a dove. The Father speaks from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." (Mt 3:17)
The stage is set for the story to come. These characters will play out a drama of eternal proportions over the next three years. The contrast between Jesus and the Pharisees is striking. They don't look any different. They don't talk differently. But, their hearts are miles apart. Jesus, though he has nothing of which to repent, identifies with sinners in his baptism. The Pharisees, though they don't have a clue about repentance, come for a ceremony.
Father, forgive me for the times I have been satisfied with external ceremony and missed what you were really about. May I serve you from the heart even if that means being misunderstood and rejected.
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