Chapter 5: The Mission Begins Preparingthe Way Way of the of the Lord Lord  CONCEPT C  The Beginnings of Jesus’ Public Life

John the Baptist  prepared the way for Jesus – called people to an awareness of their sin & to repentance  a whole new order was about to begin - get ready for it by having a change of heart  sign of change of heart - the ritual bathing called baptism

Jesus’ Baptism  Performed by John the Baptist

After Jesus’ Baptism  He sees the heavens torn apart  the Spirit descends like a dove  God the Father says: “You are my beloved Son in you I am well pleased”.

Jesus’ Baptism & Symbolism Dove - in ancient times a symbol of Israel as a whole & less often for the Spirit of God

Jesus’ Baptism & Symbolism Voice from heavens – in OT God is shown as speaking to the people in a voice from the heavens, often concealed in a cloud

Jesus’ Baptism & Symbolism Evangelists used these images to show Jesus’ inner experience of God during his baptism.

The Early Church Was Uncomfortable with Jesus Being Baptism  Jesus needs to repent of sin.  Mt. said John was reluctant to baptize Jesus but explained that Jesus accepted baptism “to fulfill all righteousness” – as part of God’s plan.

This was not an admission of sin but an indication of the willingness of Jesus to completely immerse himself in the life & concerns of his people. This was not an admission of sin but an indication of the willingness of Jesus to completely immerse himself in the life & concerns of his people.

Jesus’ Baptism – A Moment of Self-discovery  Like us, Jesus struggled to find his place in the world.  He had a growing understanding of himself & his mission.

“Aha! Moment” A Moment of Self-discovery  Jesus had some idea what God was asking of him:  to proclaim & begin a new kingdom  with power to do this through the Spirit of God

Jesus’ Temptation in the Desert

 Israel wandered 40 years in the desert.  Jesus was 40 days in the desert.  The Israelites were tempted & failed.  Jesus was tempted & did not fail.

3 Temptations of Jesus  Jesus rejected the political & militaristic messiahship that Jewish people had come to accept.

1. Turn stones into bread  Dt 8:3 “One does not live by bread alone.”  Economic power: messiah not to provide for the material needs  but for the spiritual hunger by proclaiming God’s word, which offers true life.

2. Throw himself down from a high point in Temple & have God save him - to prove special relationship with God  Dt 6:16 “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”  Magical power: not based on magic or tricks to impress people  Jesus only works miracles to bring about good in world, not to impress people.

3. Fall at feet of devil & worship him & then receive from the devil “all the kingdoms of the world”  Dt. 6:13 “Worship the Lord your God & serve only him.” & serve only him.”  Political power: reign of God in the world would take place in peoples’ hearts - not in political domination of them.

All 3 Temptations  represent the kind of temptations Jesus would deal with throughout his ministry.  Jesus rejected the messiahship expected by his people.  He refused to use economic, magical, or political power.