Matthew 3:13-17

Matthew 3:13-17

1. Let us learn to regard the sacrament of baptism with reverence.
2. We are told of the presence of all three people of the blessed Trinity.

"We are told of "a voice from heaven" at our Lord's baptism. This was a circumstance of singular solemnity. We read of no voice from heaven before this, except at the giving of the law on Sinai. Both occasions were of peculiar importance. It therefore seemed good to our Father in heaven to mark both with peculiar honor. At the introduction both of the law and Gospel, He Himself speaks."

Questions:

1. These verses speak of the baptism of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. Ryle, while exhorting us to regard baptism with reverence, also gives two cautions. First, he warns against attaching superstitious importance to baptism, which is seen when people think that all get benefit whether they come in faith and prayer or not. Second, he also warns about those who dishonor baptism by ignoring or keeping it from the public eye. Today, at least in the West, I think the superstitious part happens a lot when people think the act of baptism will save them or get them a step closer to God. As for treating it lightly, we don't keep it out of sight as much as baptize without discipling people in understanding the significance of what they are doing. Where do we stand with these two cautions?
2. We also read of one of the rare occasions where God speaks from heaven, the other being at Mt. Sinai when the law is given. Ryle declares that these words should be deeply encouraging to all who have committed their souls to God for salvation. He gives a few reasons: first, it declares who Jesus is: the Son who carries out the work of redemption. Second, it declares that the Father accepts Jesus as the mediator between Him and man. Third, being well pleasing to him, it declares that the Father is satisfied with the sacrifice that His Son will make for sinful mankind. Have you considered the importance of these words of the Father to the Son? Which of these reasons will you thank God for right now?