Jan. 13, 2008

A Little Help Along the Way

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Matthew 3:13-17

Opening Illustration – Presidential candidates constantly milling around with common people.

Meaning of Baptism – What did Matthew want to say about Jesus’ baptism? What does it mean to us?

Not Baptism of repentance. John’s reluctance.

Jesus’ baptism – makes case that Jesus was Messiah. Voice from heaven (Slide):

Ps. 2 – Coronation of king
Genesis 22 – Compared to beloved Isaac
Isaiah 42 – symbolic of Israel as a nation

Scattered OT prophecies become organized into expectation of Messiah. Sitting in bookstore with my sister reading – (Slide) Test. Of Levi 18:16

Jesus’ baptism demonstrates unity with humanity.

Jesus’ baptism shows his obedience to God.

What does Matthew’s teach us about baptism?

First – Baptism is a statement to other people

Second – Baptism is a beginning – life dedicated to God’s kingdom

Third – Baptism reminds us of God’s presence and love.

John Jewell – seminary professor at U of Dubuque – writes column for Racine paper

John is shocked at the request of Jesus for baptism. "I need to be baptized by you! No way you should be baptized by me!"
Some years ago, I was invited to attended a conference on world peace at the Wingspread Center in Racine, Wisconsin. This center, which was the original home of Samuel Johnson [of Johnson's Wax], is one of the wonderful examples of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is impressive to tour. It is even more impressive to be invited to attend a conference there. Sam Johnson was well known for his dedication to the United Nations and to the issue of world peace.

I was embarrassed to arrived a bit late to the first session of the conference at which Henry Kissinger was speaking. As I tiptoed toward the back rows in the room where Dr. Kissinger was speaking, a shorter-then-me balding man got up from his chair and whispered, "Here, take my seat." I tried to decline, but he insisted and I took his place.
A colleague later said, "Wow. Sam Johnson gave you his seat!" It was the Samuel Johnson. Samuel Johnson Jr. - son of the Samuel Johnson who had founded the company. Silly as it was, I felt uncomfortable for taking Sam Johnson's seat and during the break after Kissinger's speech, I went up to him and said, "Mr. Johnson, I didn't realize who you were when you offered me your seat."

That’s the kind of feeling John must have had.

Jesus’ Baptism reminds us that being a part of God’s kingdom sometimes means doing something we think is below us or being with people we don’t think we ought to have to be with.

It is a way of dedicating ourselves to God’s kingdom.

It tells others and reminds us of what has taken place in our own lives.