1. Footsteps teach in a powerful way n Footsteps imply a way of life (1 Jn 1; Rom 6:4)

2. Footsteps teach in a powerful way n Footsteps imply a way of life (1 Jn 1; Rom 6:4) n Footsteps teach without words (1 Pt 2:1-2; Phil 4:9)

3. Footsteps teach in a powerful way n Footsteps imply a way of life (1 Jn 1; Rom 6:4) n Footsteps teach without words (1 Pt 2:1-2; Phil 4:9) n Jesus wants us to see His footsteps (1 Pt 2:21-25; Jn 13; Lk 7:19-23)

4. Footsteps teach in a powerful way n Footsteps imply a way of life (1 Jn 1; Rom 6:4) n Footsteps teach without words (1 Pt 2:1-2; Phil 4:9) n Jesus wants us to see His footsteps (1 Pt 2:21-25; Jn 13; Lk 7:19-23) n This study is a great opportunity!

5. Where did Jesus’ footsteps begin? n Jesus did not have a beginning (Col 1:15-18)

6. Where did Jesus’ footsteps begin? n Jesus did not have a beginning (Col 1:15-18) n Jesus did have a beginning as a man (Heb 1:6; 10:5)

7. Where did Jesus’ footsteps begin? n Jesus did not have a beginning (Col 1:15-18) n Jesus did have a beginning as a man (Heb 1:6; 10:5) n How could God become man? What does this mean? (Jn 1:10-12)

8. Where did Jesus’ footsteps begin? n Jesus did not have a beginning (Col 1:15-18) n Jesus did have a beginning as a man (Heb 1:6; 10:5) n How could God become man? What does this mean? (Jn 1:10-12) n What sacrifice did Jesus make to do this?

9. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n This was part of God’s eternal plan! (Lk 1:13-17)

10. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n Luke 1:13-17 (NKJV) - But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

11. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

12. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

13. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n John’s work was prophesied before his birth.

14. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n John’s work was prophesied before his birth. n John was called from his “mother’s womb” in that his great work in preparing the way of Jesus was his purpose in life.

15. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n John’s preaching and work was from God.

16. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n John’s preaching and work was from God. n He taught in a distinctive way that caused men to see their sins and repent. (Mt 3:1-6)

17. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n Matthew 3:1-6 (NKJV) - In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”

18. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n 4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

19. Jesus’ Footsteps led to the Preaching of John the Baptist n John’s work indeed involved turning hearts back to God. This is the great work that Jesus would complete.

20. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Beginnings often tell much about the nature and the future of a matter.

21. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Beginnings often tell much about the nature and the future of a matter. n Consider the call to Isaiah and Ezekiel. (Isa 6:1-8; Ezk 1:4-9; 2:3-4)

22. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Isaiah 6:1-8 (NKJV) 1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one cried to another and said:

23. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” 4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.”

24. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

25. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Ezekiel 1:4-9 (NKJV) - Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.

26. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. 8 The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings.

27. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 9 Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.

28. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Ezekiel 2:3-4 (NKJV) - And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. 4 For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’

29. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus chooses this occasion to begin His ministry at the age of 30. (Lk 3:23)

30. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus chooses this occasion to begin His ministry at the age of 30. (Lk 3:23) n The fact of the Bible’s silence concerning these 30 years adds to the importance of this beginning.

31. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus chooses this occasion to begin His ministry at the age of 30. (Lk 3:23) n The fact of the Bible’s silence concerning these 30 years adds to the importance of this beginning. n We should not treat anything in this beginning lightly.

32. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus chooses this occasion to begin His ministry at the age of 30. (Lk 3:23) n The fact of the Bible’s silence concerning these 30 years adds to the importance of this beginning. n We should not treat anything in this beginning lightly. n The baptism of John showed men that his authority was from God.

33. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n No one had practiced baptism before John instituted it.

34. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n No one had practiced baptism before John instituted it. n The uniqueness of it like caused men to call him “John the Baptist (or baptizer).”

35. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n No one had practiced baptism before John instituted it. n The uniqueness of it like caused men to call him “John the Baptist (or baptizer).” n This new action caused men to question who he was and thereby explain his authority for doing these things. (Jn 1:19-28)

36. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n John 1:19-28 (NKJV) - Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

37. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

38. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”

39. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. n Jesus later pressed the Pharisees on this issue because He knew that when the question of John’s authority was established then there could be no questioning His. (Lk 20:3-7)

40. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus later pressed the Pharisees on this issue because He knew that when the question of John’s authority was established then there could be no questioning His. (Lk 20:3-7)

41. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Luke 20:3 through Luke 20:7 (NKJV) - But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” 5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

42. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

43. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n The baptism of John involved two crucial themes of Jesus’ ministry: repentance and remission of sins. (Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3)

44. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Mark 1:4 (NKJV) - John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. n Luke 3:3 (NKJV) - And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, n Repentance is brought about from a knowledge of God's will. (1 Jn 3:4; 5:17)

45. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Mark 1:4 (NKJV) - John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

46. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Luke 3:3 (NKJV) - And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,

47. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Repentance is brought about from a knowledge of God's will. (1 Jn 3:4; 5:17)

48. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 1 John 3:4 (NKJV) - Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

49. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 1 John 5:17 (NKJV) - All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

50. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Repentance is preceded by godly sorrow. (2 Cor 7:10)

51. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) - For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. n Satan's substitute for this is worldly sorrow. n In worldly sorrow we are sad about the consequences or being caught. n Many have this kind of sorrow over their sin.

52. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Satan's substitute for this is worldly sorrow.

53. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Satan's substitute for this is worldly sorrow. n In worldly sorrow we are sad about the consequences or being caught.

54. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Satan's substitute for this is worldly sorrow. n In worldly sorrow we are sad about the consequences or being caught. n Many have this kind of sorrow over their sin.

55. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n What is Godly sorrow?

56. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n What is Godly sorrow? n We are grieved because God knows. What if you do not know God?

57. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n What is Godly sorrow? n We are grieved because God knows. What if you do not know God? n If no one else knew we would still repent because we have grieved God.

58. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n " It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another thing to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another, to be humbled." - Gardiner Spring

59. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Repentance is a turning of the will. (Mt 21:28-32)

60. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Matthew 21:28-32 (NKJV) - “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.

61. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

62. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n It takes place in the heart. (His "won't power" is greater than my "will power")

63. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n It takes place in the heart. (His "won't power" is greater than my "will power") n It must be a complete turning or it is not repentance at all.

64. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n "To move across from one sort of person to another is the essence of repentance: the liar becomes truthful; the thief, honest; the lewd, pure; the proud, humble." - A. W. Tozer

65. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Repentance has fruits that will follow. (Mt 3:7-8)

66. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Matthew 3:7-8 (NKJV) - But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

67. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n This will involve restitution where possible.

68. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n This will involve restitution where possible. n This will involve confession to those we have wronged.

69. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n This will involve restitution where possible. n This will involve confession to those we have wronged. n This will involve most of all, ones seeking the forgiveness of God. (Acts 2:38)

70. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Acts 2:38 (NKJV) - Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

71. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n A common mistake we make is to baptize one before they repent!

72. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n A common mistake we make is to baptize one before they repent! n Those who were baptized by John confessed their sins as a sign of repentance. (Mt 3:6)

73. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Matthew 3:6 (NKJV) 6and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

74. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Bible baptism is impossible without repentance preceding it.

75. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Class discussion:

76. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Class discussion: n 1. How would you describe the kind of preaching John the Baptist did? Was God pleased?

77. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 2. What was the goal of John’s preaching? Have men today found a “better way” to achieve this goal?

78. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 2. What was the goal of John’s preaching? Have men today found a “better way” to achieve this goal? n 3. Why would Jesus begin His ministry with Baptism?

79. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 2. What was the goal of John’s preaching? Have men today found a “better way” to achieve this goal? n 3. Why would Jesus begin His ministry with Baptism? n 4. What is repentance?

80. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 2. What was the goal of John’s preaching? Have men today found a “better way” to achieve this goal? n 3. Why would Jesus begin His ministry with Baptism? n 4. What is repentance? n 5. What occurs when one is baptized before repentance? Have they really been baptized?

81. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n “Remission of sin’s means “forgiveness of sins.” (Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3)

82. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Mark 1:4 (NKJV) - John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

83. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Luke 3:3 (NKJV) - And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,

84. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n The very purpose of Christ’s coming was to save that which was lost. (Lk 15:10)

85. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n The very purpose of Christ’s coming was to save that which was lost. (Lk 15:10) n Jesus taught men to deal with the issue of sin lest you “die in your sins.” (Jn 8:24)

86. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n The very purpose of Christ’s coming was to save that which was lost. (Lk 15:10) n Jesus taught men to deal with the issue of sin lest you “die in your sins.” (Jn 8:24) n John’s baptism was for the purpose of the forgiveness of sins.

87. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Some have debated if the word “for” means “because of” in this verse. Does it points backwards? If so then one is first forgiven and then baptized.

88. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Some have debated if the word “for” means “because of” in this verse. Does it points backwards? If so then one is first forgiven and then baptized. n This exact phrase cannot mean this when connected to the blood of Christ. (Mt 26:28)

89. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Matthew 26:28 (NKJV) - For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

90. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n In the baptism of Christ this exact phrase cannot mean “because of” when connected to repentance! Repentance precedes forgiveness. (Acts 2:38)

91. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n We can conclude that baptism then precedes “forgiveness of sins” and thus is essential for salvation.

92. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n We can conclude that baptism then precedes “forgiveness of sins” and thus is essential for salvation. n Jesus was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” (Mt 3:13-15)

93. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Matthew 3:13-15 (NKJV) - Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

94. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus did not need to be baptized. He had no sins.

95. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus did not need to be baptized. He had no sins. n Jesus also did not need to repent!

96. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus did not need to be baptized. He had no sins. n Jesus also did not need to repent! n Jesus knew the power of example and wanted to teach others about this important step.

97. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Jesus did not need to be baptized. He had no sins. n Jesus also did not need to repent! n Jesus knew the power of example and wanted to teach others about this important step. n Later no one could point to Jesus as one who refused John’s baptism. (Lk 7:29-30)

98. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Luke 7:29-30 (NKJV) - And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

99. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Class Discussion:

100. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Class Discussion: n 1. What does the phrase “for the remission of sins” mean?

101. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Class Discussion: n 1. What does the phrase “for the remission of sins” mean? n 2. Is one saved first and then baptized? Is this important to know?

102. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n Class Discussion: n 1. What does the phrase “for the remission of sins” mean? n 2. Is one saved first and then baptized? Is this important to know? n 3. Why was Jesus baptized? Are we baptized for the same reason?

103. Why did Jesus begin His ministry with baptism? n 4. What meaning does the baptism of Christ have that John’s baptism did not have? (Rom 6:3-4)

104. Jesus’ baptism publicly identified Him n Jesus was proclaimed the Son of God in two ways. (Mt 3:16-17)

105. Jesus’ baptism publicly identified Him n Jesus was proclaimed the Son of God in two ways. (Mt 3:16-17) n This also revealed Jesus to John. (Jn 1:32-34)

106. Jesus’ baptism publicly identified Him n Jesus was proclaimed the Son of God in two ways. (Mt 3:16-17) n This also revealed Jesus to John. (Jn 1:32-34) n Our baptism is also a proclamation! (Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12)

107. Jesus’ baptism publicly identified Him n Jesus was proclaimed the Son of God in two ways. (Mt 3:16-17) n This also revealed Jesus to John. (Jn 1:32-34) n Our baptism is also a proclamation! (Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12) n Have you begun to follow the footsteps of Jesus?