#1214 Matthew 4 Part 2 Galilee of the Gentiles

 

Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

16 the people dwelling in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,

on them a light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

 Matthew 4: 12-17 ESV

Matthew 4: 12-17

Now when - Now when is an important expression of time. Why so? Because by comparing the events in the beginning of the Gospel of John it is apparent that all three Synoptic writers bypass the events that transpire during the first year of Jesus' ministry. In other words between Matthew 4:11 and Matthew 4:12 there is TIME GAP of from 12-14 months of Jesus' EARLY MINISTRY, a period which is omitted from THE Gospel of Matthew (see note below). You may read in some commentaries that this period was referred to as THE YEAR OF OBSCURITY (See study by S Lewis Johnson - The Messiah's Year of Obscurity). Stalker writes that if we did not have "John 1:19-3:36 we should know nothing of the "year of obscurity." .Jesus may have been "obscure" (during this time in the Synoptic Gospels) but He was not inactive (in John's Gospel)! We see this period described by John from about John 1:19 through John 4:44, 45. It is also known as the Early Judean ministry for most of the events occurred in Judea the province in which Jerusalem is located (See map). Note however that some of the events in John 1:19-4:54 took place in Samaria and even Galilee. We see a similar TIME GAP in Luke's and Mark's Gospel between Jesus Baptism and Temptation and the beginning of His ministry in Galilee - see Mk 1:13+ and Mark 1:14+, Luke 4:13+ and Luke 4:14+ - Precept Austin

Now when He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee - So there is a gap between verses 11 and 12, as discussed above, much of which is filled in for us in the gospel of John, but I am going to move on with this text, and cover the year of obscurity when I get to John, but there may be mention of it throughout these first 3 Synoptic gospels. When it mentions John in this verse, it is the Baptist, who was arrested for telling it like it is. He spoke out against a king who was involved in an adulterous relationship with his brother Phillip's wife, who he took for his own, and an incestuous relationship as well. That whole royal family was like the movie Deliverance, the gene pool was more like a gene puddle, so John confronted them with God's word. Herodias was the king's wife, and she didn't like John talking smack about her, so Herod had him thrown into prison.

It is always dangerous to confront evil, and John’s fearless condemnation of moral wickedness in high places led to his being beheaded. With similar bravery John Knox of Scotland stood ground against a corrupt monarchy. Standing before the repressive and corrupt Queen Mary, who had just rebuked him for resisting her authority, he said, “If princes exceed their bounds, madam, they may be resisted and even deposed.” (MacArthur)

…15You must not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; you are not to have sexual relations with her. 16You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. 17You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved.… Leviticus 18: 15-17

…18With these and many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people. 19But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, 20Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.… Luke 3: 18-20

…29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must increase; I must decrease. 31The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.… John 3: 29-31

Galilee of the gentiles - The land of Galilee, known for it's prominent feature, the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias and the Sea of Chinnereth. It is also a very fertile place, able to sustain a great multitude of people. It is also referred to here as Zebulun and Naphtali, who were sons of Jacob, and these were their tribal lands, lands which they did not drive the gentiles from. Zebulun means "dwelling" and Naphtali means "wrestling". It is interesting that Christ takes His ministry here, to a place looked down upon by the Jews for being very blended, probably gentile by majority. They showed Him little esteem for coming from Nazareth, and now He will minister in an area filled with gentiles and Jews that are looked down upon by those in Jerusalem.

The soil was extremely fertile, and the lake furnished great quantities of edible fish. The Jewish historian Josephus, who at one time was governor of Galilee, said of the area, “It is throughout rich in soil and pasture, producing every variety of tree, and inviting by its productivity even those who have the least inclination for agriculture. It is everywhere tilled and everywhere productive” (The Wars of the Jews 3. 3.2). The Jews who lived in Galilee were less sophisticated and traditional than those in Judea, especially those in the great metropolis of Jerusalem. Josephus observed that Galileans “were fond of innovations and by nature disposed to change, and they delighted in seditions.” They even had a distinct accent in their speech (Matt. 26:73). The Galilean Jews’ constant association with Gentiles contributed greatly to their nontraditional character. (Matthew Commentary)

The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light - Where there is no light, even a small candle shines brightly. It is easier to focus on the one light, the true light, when there is no artificial or distorted light around. There were no sages and great theologians in Galilee, that area was not known for that. The people were poor, they were hard working and innovative in their means, not greatly educated, somewhat superstitious, yet there were some that were humble and devout, unknown to the religious elite living in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem was the highly regarded, the scribes and Pharisees, those with the temple and word available to them, yet they kept men from entering and they perverted the truth. 

There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,

Prisoners in misery and chains,

11 Because they had rebelled against the words of God

And spurned the counsel of the Most High.

12 Therefore He humbled their heart with labor;

They stumbled and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble;

He saved them out of their distresses.

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death

And broke their bands apart. Psalm 107: 10-14

1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. 3Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.… Isaiah 60: 1-3

I am an infectious disease expert and have seen the powerful effect of a vaccination (for example years ago, the polio vaccine), the effect being to keep one from contracting the real disease. This same dynamic unfortunately works in spiritual matters, for the Jews of Jerusalem had "vaccination" which made it difficult for them to receive the "real disease" (in a good sense of course), the purity of the Gospel. The same is true of many religions today that practice rituals and extra-Biblical routines and beliefs, which in effect serve to make them "immune" to the true Gospel. The most difficult people for me to share the Gospel with are those who in this category of religious but without a relationship with Christ, for they think their religion will guarantee a place in Heaven but they are tragically deceived and there are millions and millions of them in the United States! - Quoted from Precept Austin commentary on Matthew 4

John writes about this spiritual darkness - "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." (1 John 1:6+). Then John gives the antidote for spiritual darkness "but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7+). - Precept Austin 

Jesus began preaching - Proclaiming the Word of God, and the best are those that say what God has already said, that bring you back to the authority of  Scripture, that give the context, the whole counsel of God, not looking for audience approval, but saying what will save.

…20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,… 1 Corinthians 1: 20-22

Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand - Here was "God with us", preaching to the people, telling them to turn from their sin.

14After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” 16As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.… Mark 1: 14-16

The command "About Face" is describes the act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation. Another English definition says it is "a reversal of direction, of attitude, behavior, or point of view." This is a good picture of repentance that Jesus commands. Jesus continues the call to repentance made by John in Mark 1:4+.

Jesus began to preach and say - The verb began (archo) literally means to be first and in the middle voice means to begin or start and thus calls attention to the "special" status or importance of what follows (the primacy of preaching!) Preach is in the present tense which indicates Jesus was beginning a continuous action, specifically beginning the proclaiming of the Good News of the Kingdom (While we will not all be formal preachers, we should still be proclaimers of the Good News like our Master Teacher for we are enabled by the same Spirit Who enabled Him! cf Mt 4:1+, Lk 4:14+, 1 Pe 2:21+. See Walking Like Jesus Walked) Notice that the focus is on Jesus preaching the Word, not on performing wonders (miraculous healings, etc). Men are saved only by the Word, not by seeing miraculous works. John 12:37 says "But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him." There is however one miracle Jesus performed that did effect genuine belief. John records "So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken." (Jn 2:22+) Of course that miracle is one every true believer believes, having seen it with eyes of faith, not sight (in contrast to the many signs Jesus performed while on earth). - Precept Austin

…26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. 28Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.… Acts 20: 26-28

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#1213 Matthew 4 Part 1 The Temptation

 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God

and him only shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Matthew 4: 1-11 ESV

Matthew 4: 1-11 Jesus Tempted In The Wilderness

…15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4: 15-16

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil - The pure, undefiled Lamb was given a sinner's baptism, as part of fulfilling all righteousness. He doesn't make claims figuratively, without testing, no, when He takes my place, He is tested, but without sinning. He is led up by the Spirit to be tempted in the wilderness by His adversary, the devil. He is not tempted by God because God tempts no one. When He pays for my sin, He pays it's literal wages, giving His life, but because He has no sin Himself, death cannot hold Him. He will not be king by mere lineage, or a title thrown to Him, but as a true conqueror, defeating sin, death, the grave, and here in the wilderness, this body that was prepared for Him. Here He conquers temptation; He shows His body to be in full submission to His will, which has been entrusted to the Father. 

…17For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2: 17-18

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. 13When tempted, no one should say, “ God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.… James 1: 12-14

And after fasting forty days and forty nights - This tempting has gone on for quite sometime, and really, do we even last 40 seconds without being tempted of the things that are already inside of us? Satan is hunting for a foothold, and that is easy to find in most men, don't kid yourself, you probably don't even make it onto his radar, because you are already good enough at making your own stumbling blocks. When people say, "the devil made me do it", I shake my head, because he probably doesn't even know your name. 

He was hungry - Understandably so, He has added humanity to His deity, has taken on the form of man, become a servant, and men get hungry, especially after not eating for forty days. This speaks to His humanity, and hunger is not wicked of itself, but quite the opposite, it is our bodies way of telling us it's time to refuel. Now the devil has been watching mankind for sometime now, and men are a broken lot, fallen in every way, perverting even our food, turning to gluttony, stealing, hoarding, not trusting God. 

12“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. 13“ Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,” but God will destroy them both. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.… 1 Corinthians 6: 12-14

If You are the Son of God - The devil knows who He is, but he approaches Jesus much differently than he does us. He gets to approach Him as a man with the hunger, but also as God, with all the power of deity available to Him. It's like saying, "you're hungry, nothing wrong with that, but do You really need to wait for the Father's permission before You eat? Do You really have to wait for His provision like Elijah did by the brook? Or like the people in the wilderness, do you have to wait for God to give water, to trust in Him and His timing?" You see, Jesus has set aside the privileges of deity to live the life I could not, in my place, satisfying the righteousness of the law, which righteousness I myself could not obtain through the law. Remember the "out of Egypt I have called My son", how that was Israel coming out of the land of Egypt, yet it is also a picture of Christ in the OT. They murmured and complained, did not trust God and even longed to go back to the slavery of Egypt in their delusions. He is coming to accomplish all that man did not. The first Adam ate the apple, the second Adam only does what He sees the Father doing.

…18Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. 19So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these.… John 5: 18-20

Command these stones to become loaves of bread - Satan couldn't tempt me like this, and for one reason, I don't have that kind of power. Men would love that, "I am hungry, where's my wand, I am about to go Harry Potter here and sit down to a nice spread." Jesus is God the Son, and there was nothing that was made on this planet that wasn't made through Him and for Him. He is the Word become flesh to dwell among us, and with a word He could call down angels or a banquet into being. He is not going to be ruled by His flesh though, and He knows that the Father's time is perfect, and that the Father will provide.

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.… John 1: 1-3

But He answered, it is written - If you are a pastor then this is a huge application. While Jesus is out there living the life I didn't, being the light that Israel hadn't, here is how he dealt with temptation. Satan will twist the word of God, but Christ cares more for it's intended meaning, the right application. The Word is two fold here, a shield and a sword. We know that faith is the shield, and how does it come, by the Word of God. Faith, that absolute trust in God, comes through the reading of His word, that is how we grow, that is where we see what God actually says. The sword of the Spirit is also the Word, the Word rightly understood and applied. Take a look:

…16But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”… Romans 10: 16-18

…16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.… Ephesians 6: 16-18

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God - There is something far worse than being hungry for food, and that is the soul that does not know to be hungry for the Word, for when the body goes, the soul lives on, but you were born into this life Spiritually dead. You need to hear the good news and you need to respond to the good news. Starvation in this life is nothing compared to eternity.

…62Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)… John 6: 62-64

Throw Yourself down - Prove You're God. Some say this pinnacle is some 450 feet above the valley below, and false messiahs and prophets would love to be able to give a demonstration like this, for the people love sensationalism. One false messiah did attempt to jump from here and another tried to part some water. People don't learn from the OT, God provided manna, parted the Red Sea, brought water from a rock, destroyed the Egyptian army, did a lot of miracles, but the people didn't repent. Some people only come for the fish and the bread, as we will see as we go further into the gospels. People love a good show, they love feelings, and magic, so any "church" that is advertising and appealing to such things is one to stay away from.

For example Theudas, ah, met the people at the temple, led them all out and promised that he was gonna split the waters of the Jordan River. Well, he didn't. And then there was a famous Egyptian pretender, who said that he would lay flat the walls of Jerusalem. And then there was Simon Magus, and you know what tradition tells, that Simon Magus tried this - splat. It was a terrific dive and it was a rotten landing. These pretenders were forever trying to offer sensational appeals to the people to get instant public acceptance so that they would be thought of as the messiah. Is this what He wanted, is this what God wanted? Did God expect His Messiah to pull off some fantastic stunt, some magic trick - not so. - J Mac

He will command His angels concerning You - Satan doesn't miss a beat. He's soulless, doesn't care about the truth or the Author's original intent, the first dart didn't produce blood so he throws another, and tries to pepper it with Scripture, but he twist it. The Scriptures have meaning, intent, purpose and application built in; it is for us to search it out, it's already there. We do not bring the meaning to the Scripture. You don't use the Bible like a book of spells, as I see the charismatic church and all other prosperity teachers doing, that is another gospel. 

…15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.… 2 Timothy 3: 15-17

14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. 15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,… 2 Timothy 2: 14-16

You shall not put the Lord your God to the test - Again, He answers with Scripture, only we learn from Him what the reformers in every age have found, that you take the whole counsel of God. I knew two elderly people that believed in putting God to the test, and they had come to believe a heresy taught by a group out of California, that Christians aren't supposed to work, and of course this appealed to their natures, so they did everything possible not to work. But, like socialist, they needed other people to work for them, because you still need money, a place to live, the grass needs mowed and the belly aches for food. They would say, "give to him that would ask of thee", but they didn't like it when someone said, "he who does not work shall not eat." I have mentioned before that people will preach whole prosperity messages on "you have not because you ask not", but read the rest of the verse, look at the context. You are preying on peoples lack of discernment, their lack of Spiritual maturity, all the while pretending that you are godly. If God is not telling Jesus to jump off the building then it is vane, and God doesn't want a crowd surfer. Christ can call down legions of angels, but that is not what God wants. Jesus came meek and humble, the perfect image for us to be conformed to. Satan wants to soil that image; he wants to bring the perfect nature of Christ to an end. He wants it to end in His not trusting the Father, being disobedient to the Father, no longer being worthy to be the Lamb without stain. He wants Jesus to become an unacceptable sacrifice. 

…2You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.… James 4: 2-4

Showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory - The world is a part of the satanic system. God is holy and righteous, and the world is not that, it is fallen into an arrogant and evil state. It no longer recognizes God, and when someone righteous appears, He is alien to them. There is only one logical and holy way for the restoration of Creation to occur; it has to be purchased back through a divine and holy nature, an ultimate sacrifice. This present world is in darkness, and it's ruler is the ruler of darkness, the father of lies, the tempter, Satan. Man, in his fallen state, is forfeit, belonging to the devil, the present ruler of this age. So Satan takes Christ up here to cut a deal with Him. 

…3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.… 2 Corinthians 4: 3-5

All these I will give You if You fall down and worship me - He doesn't want Jesus to go to the cross, to be able to say, "it is finished". He doesn't want to lose his kingdom, and so he fights tooth and nail, looking for something, anything in this Jesus that he can latch onto and exploit. "Look, Jesus, I will give you the world, and you can avoid the cross. That is the object, right, and surely the end will justify the means?" 

…29And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me. 31But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up! Let us go on from here.… John 14: 29-31

Be gone Satan - You are talking in circles now, you have taken your best shots for 40 days, and then at the point where Christ should be at His weakest, all He can do is look to the Father, to the truth, to the glory laid out before Him. He denies Himself, takes up His Cross, and follows the path laid out before Him, the glory decided on before time. Herein is love manifested.

…10So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” 11Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” 12From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”… John 19: 10-12

You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve - He showed us the way, and He stayed in God's word, and now He could tell the devil to leave, because He had taken all that he had to dish out. 

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.… Hebrews 12: 1-3

Angels came and were ministering unto Him - Times of refreshment will come, and God was faithful to the time He had purposed. 

…52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”… Matthew 26: 52-54

…30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. 31But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 30-31

…3“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. 4And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.… 1 Kings 17: 3-5

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#1212 Matthew 3 Part 3 To Identify With Me

 

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3: 13-17 ESV

Matthew 3: 13-17 Baptism of Jesus

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3: 11-12

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him - So at some point after John describes the One "whose sandals I am not worthy to carry", He shows up to be baptized. 

John would have prevented Him - Why? John knew Him to be, or thought Him to be the Messiah, the coming king and judge of all the earth, and so logically he would question this. "Is this Him, is He showing me a sign that He is not Who I think He is, how can this be?" I have heard some weird and ridiculous takes on this passage, like God did this to show His approval of John's ministry, or that Jesus did it because His mother and brothers thought it was a good idea. Let's remember some things, John was Jesus's cousin, and he recognized Jesus womb to womb. His father was a priest, and his mother had been barren before John. They were visited by an angel, and so this would have left a rather lasting impression upon a boy who was brought up to be the prophet, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, saying, "prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His path straight." But again, we are very fortunate to have four gospels, and we read in the gospel of John, written by the Apostle John, we read that John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. The gospel of Matthew is very focused on Jesus kingship, and He is the Messiah, the Deliverer of Israel, but He is also the Lamb without spot, the Holy and righteous One, the only pleasing sacrifice. 

5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.…

…8One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.…

…11Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.… Luke 1: 5-13

28All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’… John 1: 28-30

You see, John's baptism, from the Greek word baptizo, which means to dip, immerse, submerge, was a baptism of repentance, a cleansing, not just washing my hands, but wash all of me. Repenting is more than just changing one's mind about sin, acknowledging there is such a thing as sin, but to repent is to turn away from sin. So, looking at Christ, he must wonder, logically, how is this fitting, for me, a sinner, to baptize someone Who is without sin? Peter took issue with Jesus, his Lord, his Messiah, washing his feet, and he also took issue with the Messiah speaking in terms of the cross, because it was undeserved, and that's just it, it had to be. 

…22Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” 23But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 24Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.… Matthew 16: 22-24

I need to be baptized by You - John needed to be washed by Christ. This is true, and remember, He is the Lamb of God, the once for all sacrifice, the blood that atones for all His sheep. Everything else was a picture, all the millions of animal sacrifices before this, a picture, a shadow, but here, standing before John and this crowd, is the reality, the fullness, the Lamb, Who takes away the sins of the World, for without the shedding of blood there is no remittance of sin. John's knowledge of Who Christ is is growing in this encounter. The Lion of Judah, the Messiah, is also the Lamb of God. 

…31I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” 32Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. 33I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’… John 1: 31-33

For thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness - It may help you to understand that all history up until this point has pointed to, and hung upon, the promise of this very sacrifice. Since it is mankind that had fallen, then the sacrifice would have to be an unfallen man. Since sin is against an eternal and infinitely Holy God, the sacrifice will have to be of His very eternal nature. You can see the perfect bridge between God and man in the person of Jesus Christ. These were the first two requirements, but then there is more, He would have to live a perfect life, which was our reasonable service, that we did not live, for there is none righteous, no, not even one. We also see in Scripture that Messiah would have to be rejected, the King of glory refused. We know from the OT that He will be betrayed, and even for 30 pieces of silver. We know that God did not delight in the blood of bulls and rams, but that it pleased the Lord to bruise His Son. We know that He is to be tested, as gold is, to reveal the purity of His life, and part of that is coming in the next chapter of Matthew. Christ is walking in the way we ought, only doing what He sees the Father doing, fulfilling all righteousness. I could be stuck in these few verses for days. 

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.… Hebrews 4: 14-16

Then he consented - John is trusting the One that is truly before him, though here, in time and space, Jesus was born after him. Look what happens.

The heavens were opened - This reminds us of Stephen's vision when he was getting stoned. The Bible is fairly quiet about Jesus's life up until now, except for His going to the temple when He was 12, even then being about His Father's business. However old He is now, some think 30, His ministry begins, and it is on course at a very fast pace towards the cross. 

And behold, the heavens were opened - The opening of heaven is a frequent apocalyptic motif found in the giving of revelation (Read Ezek 1:1; John 1:51; Acts 7:56; 10:11; Rev 19:11.) as is a voice from heaven. (Read Isa 6:4, 8; Ezek 1:25, 28; Rev 4:1; 10:4, 8; 11:12; 14:13.). It is interesting that the heavens were opened to mark the inauguration of Jesus' earthly ministry to accomplish redemption of mankind, while in Revelation 19:11+ the heavens are opened to mark the return of Jesus to accomplish His redemption of the earth (cf Rev 5:9-see commentary = Garland writes "the redemption in view [in Rev 5:9] is both soteriological -- individual souls are reconciled to God and eschatological -- the original creation will be restored at last.") - Precept Austin

He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove - The dove has represented peace in the Bible, and He is the Prince of Peace. It was the dove that brought back the olive branch of peace to those still waiting in the Ark, after God had destroyed the earth by the flood. Doves were the offering of the poor, every poor person in Israel would be able to identify with the dove, for they could not afford a bull to offer, so here is His commissioning, He is our peace. 

34I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”… John 1: 34-36

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them. 21 When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived. 22And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord…

…23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), 24and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.…

…26The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, 28Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:…

…29“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31which You have prepared in the sight of all people,… Luke 2: 20-31

Coming to rest on Him - This fulfills a prophecy, and here we will see or hear all three members of the Trinity.

Comment - Note the description that the Spirit "remained upon Him." Was this "remaining" something that was visible, like a "halo" over Jesus' head??? There is nothing in the NT which would suggest that Jesus walked around with a halo or an aura or a dove-like glow over His head. The idea if that the Spirit's abiding presence was with the Man Jesus, continually empowering His ministry. In that sense the Spirit remained upon Jesus. Notice also that this statement by John in essence fulfills the prophecy uttered by Isaiah...

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him (Lxx = anapauo used figuratively here of the Spirit's resting in place, remaining -- anapauo is used in this same sense in 1 Pe 4:14+), The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:2+) (Isaiah's point is that that He would be supernaturally energized by the Spirit!)

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; (Isaiah 61:1+ quoted in Luke 4:18+)

“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1)

NET NOTE - Isaiah 42:1–7 contain the first of Isaiah's "servant songs," which describe the ministry of a special, ideal servant who accomplishes God's purposes for Israel and the nations. This song depicts the servant as a just king who brings justice to the earth and relief for the oppressed. - Precept Austin

This is My beloved Son with Whom I am well pleased - We see the Son in His commissioning, the start of His ministry, but also to be the Lamb of God, the Spirit bearing witness, descending upon Him, to stay with Him, and now we hear the Father identify Him, but this is also acknowledging Him as the sacrifice. 

9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.… Isaiah 53: 9-11

…4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.… Hebrews 10: 4-6

So did you see it, He did this to identify with sinners, to be the way, living a righteous life, a pleasing life to God, and not repenting for His own sin, since He had none, but so that He could become sin for us. So when God sees me, He sees me through the lens of His Son, the Holy sacrifice, the payment owed to justice, the cost of love.

…20Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21

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