13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” 15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized. 16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17) Verse 6 states that John was baptizing people in the Jordan River. That means people were there to be baptized as well as the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Submission and Humility Jesus came to John to be baptized. He came by choice, purposefully, voluntarily. The word baptism means to immerse or put under. It is a act of submission, being put under the authority of a superior. Baptism is an act of repentance, surrender, commitment, and obedience to God the Father. But Jesus did not need to repent. Why did he come to John for baptism? · Surrender and obedience · To launch is ministry · Identification with sinners Cleansing When John saw Jesus coming, he recognized him immediately as the Messiah. When Jesus asked to be baptized, John naturally objected because he, as a Jew saw baptism as a form of repentance and cleansing. And John recognized his own need for repentance and cleansing. The Right Relationship. Jesus told John to go ahead and baptize him “to fulfill all righteousness,” that is (1) confirm him as the Messiah and (2) to affirm John’s ministry. The verses above indicate that Jesus was looking for spiritual baptism not a water baptism as offered by John. · He saw it as a necessary step in fulfilling God’s purpose of salvation. · Jesus endorsed John’s ministry and message and linked his ministry with John’s. · Further, by baptism, Jesus identified himself with sinful people who need repentance and cleansing. · Moreover, he was going to be the substitute for them by his life and death. The Father’s Blessing/Endorsement. After being immersed, Jesus rose up and the Spirit of God anointed Jesus for ministry in a visible way. God spoke affirming Jesus as his son (relationship) and his ministry. (God affirmed Jesus on two other occasions: at the mount of transfiguration in front of his disciples (Matt 17:5) and before his crucifixion (John 12:27)). Note that when God said, “this is my son,” he was speaking to the people present. As Jesus came up (representing rising from the dead) the Spirit came down (representing empowerment for ministry). All three persons of the Godhead were present: the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Why do we baptize believers? · To symbolize our repentance and cleansing · A representation of our own death, burial and resurrection · A willingness to identify with Christ (Romans 6:4) · Adult baptism: voluntary, intentional, reflecting repentance and identification with Christ. Why are words of affirmation important in a new endeavor? · To bring confidence · It is empowering · It is confirming even when some object

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route. (Matthew 2:9-12) Direction Following Herod’s instructions they started for Bethlehem, just 6 miles south of Jerusalem. When they resumed their journey, the star studently appeared again and led them to the place where Jesus was, stopping over then place where Jesus was. Leon Morris suggests that they no longer looked for the star upon reaching Jerusalem. Great Joy Upon seeing the star again, they were overwhelmed with joy or “rejoiced with exceedingly greatest joy.” That joy came from the assurance by the star that they were on the right track. Notice that the star did not appear until they started toward Bethlehem. Often direction comes once we step out in faith. The Place Where They Lived (Luke reported that there was no room in the inn, so Jesus was born where animals were kept (Mary laid him in a manger or feeding trough). Others believe he was born in a cave where shepherds kept sheep that would be used for sacrifices at the temple. What is important is that the wise men found Jesus in a house – indicating that after he was born Joseph and Mary found a place suitable for raising a child. When the wise men arrived at the house they saw the child with Mary. Notice Matthew’s order, the child first, his emphasis on Jesus. They emptied their treasure boxes and gave him gifts. These were not the normal gifts for a child, at least in our culture, they were gifts for a King. Many believers see symbolic meaning in the gifts: · Gold – for a King, royalty · Frankincense – the incenses used on the altar in the Temple and was use for healing · Myrrh – also an incense, more important, it was a spice used in preparing a body for burial The Warning The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Harod and went back to Persia by another route. The Greek indicates they received a divine utterance. Why is Jesus worthy of our worship? · He has saved us · He has given us physical life · He has given us his Spirit - transformation · He has given us purpose, meaning · He provides for us What gift or gifts do you bring to Jesus?  “When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die.” Deitrick Bonhoefer

Finding the King 4 So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. 5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” , 7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”,(Matthew 2:4-8)  King of the Jews Herod may not have understood the word “ Messiah.” But he was certainly threatened by the term “King of the Jews.” He did not understand the spiritual nature of the term. Once again, we encounter the disconnect in people’s minds between the physical and spiritual nature of what was happening, a common thread throughout scripture. Therefore, Herod gathered the religious leaders, meaning those with spiritual and legal authority, and the scribes who understood the scriptures. Prophesies Matthew reported that the scribes provided Herod prophesies about from at least two sources: (1) He would be born in Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of David (Micah 5:2) (1) He would be a ruler, leader, or shepherd (2 Samuel 5:2). The Hebrew indicates one who shepherds his flock It is important to note that there was no indication that the priests and scribes were interested in seeking the Messiah themselves. Investigate With that information, Herod secretly called the wise men and asked when the star appeared to determine the age of the “King of the Jews.” From that he calculated the time of preparation and the length of the journey. From Ezra 7:9, we know the journey from Babylon (Persia) to Jerusalem took about four months. Because of the uncertainties, Herod estimated that Jesus might have been about two years old. Sent Away Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem and told them to diligently search for the child and report back to him so that he could worship him as well. However, Herod’s intent was to kill the child. Who or What are the “Herods” that seek to interfere or kill your relationship with Christ?

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matt 2:1-3 Assessing Jesus’ Age (1): Matthew does not give a specific date for the arrival of the wise men but sets it in the time of Herod the Great. At that time Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were still in Bethlehem. Following the Star (2): They followed or the star which led them to Jerusalem, the “capitol city,” a natural place to find a king. The star was not a natural phenomenon because of its movement. The men likely came in a large group because: (1) the importance of their journey, (2) the need for protection from thieves, and marauders (3) the commotion they caused in Jerusalem. They came to worship Jesus. Not to pay homage or respect, but worship. Why did the Star lead them to Jerusalem if that was not where Jesus, the King was located? o It was part of God’s plan o It was to alert the religious leaders that the Messiah had come Herod was Upset (3): They probably did not go directly to the palace since they were not on a diplomatic mission and lacked formal papers. It is likely they inquired among the residents about the new King and word got to Herod. And he was upset. A new king would meddle in his coveted position, interfere with his authority, and disturb his relationship with the Romans. In addition, “all of Jerusalem was disturbed, specifically the religious leadership. Further, Jerusalem was disturbed because the unstable Herod was disturbed. In what ways is Jesus a King? (1) He has authority (2) He is the Son of God (3) He has dominion – ownership (4) He is the leader How would you describe your journey to Christ? (1) A point in time (2) Developing a personal relationship at glacial speed  Who/What was the star the led you on your journey to Christ? (1) Sunday school teachers (2) Camp counselors (3) Pastors (4) Believing friends

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26 There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, the clouds in his majesty. 27 The God of old is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you and commands, “Destroy!” 28 So Israel dwells securely; Jacob lives untroubled , in a land of grain and new wine; even his skies drip with dew. 29 How happy you are, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in. Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread on their backs. (Deuteronomy 33:26-29)  In verses 6-25 Moses blessed each of the individual tribes. The next verses focus on the God of Israel, his power and his presence. Rescuer and Protector (26-27): The author describes God as riding to the rescue of his people and displaying his majesty over all the earth. He is triumphant unlike the gods of Egypt or the gods they would encounter in the promised land. Further, he would be their protector. He commanded the destruction of his enemies. The Lord will undertake for his people because he created them. He was a refuge for them and provided security in difficult times. They did not create him. He was not a god among many; he is the only God. Being the God of old meant he was present from the beginning of time. He was their dwelling place. They would live in the land, but ultimately their home was with and in the presence of God just as he has promised us today. Looking Ahead (28): Moses was looking ahead to the time Israel had subdued the Canaanites; a time when Israel would live in peace (dwell securely) because her enemies had been defeated. Further, the land would produce an abundance of grain and grapes for wine, and the Lord would provide dew and life-giving water for their crops. (29): Verse 26 points out how unique their God was. Verse 29 is the declaration that the Israelites were unlike any other people. They were a unique people, a people chosen and saved by God. He had set aside the land for his people. The verse continues by repeating that he, not the people, would be their protector (a defense) and their “Divine Warrior” or offensive weapon. “The battle is the Lord’s” and victory was theirs. This was an assurance that as God had been with them and, led them for forty years, he would be with them in conquering the Canaanites. In conclusion the narrative states that there is nothing like defeat to silence the boasting of the enemy and that the enemy would cower before Israel and lay defeated under her feet. The people went from being victims in Egypt to be victors in the promised land. Challenge: Do you worship things made by human hands? Is the Lord your dwelling place? How has the Lord provided for you? Are you ministering to people who are going through what you have been through? Heaven and earth, all the emperors, kings, and princes of the world, could not raise a fit dwelling-place for God; yet, in a weak human soul, that keeps His Word, He willingly resides. Martin Luther

This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave the Israelites before his death. 2 He said: The Lord came from Sinai and appeared to them from Seir; he shone on them from Mount Paran and came with ten thousand holy ones, with lightning from his right hand for them. 3 Indeed he loves the people. , All your holy ones are in your hand, and they assemble at your feet. Each receives your words. 4 Moses gave us instruction, a possession for the assembly of Jacob. 5 So he became King in Jeshurun , when the leaders of the people gathered with the tribes of Israel. (Deuteronomy 33:1-5) The last chapters of the book of Deuteronomy describe Moses last message and days. The Blessing (1): It was a tradition for a Hebrew father to bless his sons as did Jacob (Genesis 49). Here Moses, nearing his death, blessed the descendants of Jacob. In his blessing He interceded for them, expressed a fervent desire for their future, and described what God to do for them. Here Moses was called a man of God; a title given to men throughout the Old and New Testaments who had a close vibrant relationship with the Lord. Protection (2): Moses said that just as God had led them from Mt. Sinai, he would be with them in the promised land. He reminded them of God’s protection during their journey and called them a mighty angelic or human multitude. Care for his people (3): This verse conveys God’s loving care and protection for his people., who, in response, would gather at his feet to receive his instructions and guidance. The imagery is one of submission, humility, and loyalty to him as their teacher. In turn he lifted them up by his words. He urged then to receive the messages as a nation and as individuals. God’s Teaching (4): The author refers to Jacob on his deathbed, gathering his sons to bless them. God’s instructions or teachings to his people were unlike any other religious instructions. God instructions were Israel’s life and the lens through which they were to view the world. Today, we live under his Word that provides spiritual nourishment, is a sword that cuts or penetrates to the deepest level of our being and reveals our true nature. The Lord as King (5): This verse states that “He became King.” Yet he was already King of Israel. The emphasis is that God had clearly demonstrated his power by leading his people victoriously from Sinai to Canaan. Jeshurun is a poetic name for the children of Israel. It means straight and carries the concept of uprightness and justice. As King he had authority as demonstrated by the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, providing water and food, and the victory over the Amalekites. Moreover, he provides safety and security, comfort, and resources they needed. And he will keep his promises to his people as had for forty years. Challenge: Who do you trust to take you through life’s struggles? Has the Lord blessed you? Do you remind your children of God’s faithfulness. God's faithfulness means that God will always do what He said and fulfill what He has promised. Wayne Grudem

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20 love the Lord your God, obey him, and remain faithful to him. For he is your life, and he will prolong your days as you live in the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) Choose Life (19): This is a repetition of what has gone before: Life and death, blessings and curses. The command is to choose life through obedience. The Lord pointed to his creation (heaven and earth: power in storms and earthquakes instead of peace and calm) as a guarantee that what he said would happen if the people were disobedient. (Ancient covenants often contained a list of gods as witnesses.) It was a choice; a choice that they needed to make. Their decision would affect not only their lives but the generations to come. Total Commitment (20): Moses concluded his sermon by urging them to be totally committed in three ways: (1) love the Lord, (2) obey the Lord, and (3) remain faithful. They were to keep his commands close to their hearts and the Lord would provide life. He was the cornerstone of their existence. Further, he was about to fulfill his promise to give them a land of their own. Notice the new covenant parallel: by choosing to believe the Lord’s promise of salvation, we will be given eternal life and the indwelling Spirit. He is our cornerstone. The promise of both the old and new covenants is life. In both cases a decision is required. Then the battle begins. For the Israelites it was eliminating the pagan influence. In our case that means changing the way we think and act. Choosing God is to choose life. Challenge: Have you chosen life? Are you totally committed to the Lord? Are you experiencing the blessing of total commitment? If God is not at the center of your life, something else is. Timothy Keller

15 See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16 For I am commanding you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and multiply, and the Lord your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you do not listen and you are led astray to bow in worship to other gods and serve them, 18 I tell you today that you will certainly perish and will not prolong your days in the land you are entering to possess across the Jordan. (Deuteronomy 30:15-18)  Prosperity and Adversity (15): The word prosperity in the Hebrew is much broader than financial resources. It meant being filled with Joy and kindness, having a sense of security as well as material, relational, and spiritual well-being. Adversity, on the other hand, referred to the unpleasant, evil, or cruel experiences that resulted from. This was a quick summary of the message on blessings and curses in chapter 28. Steps to Obedience (16): included (1) Love the Lord, (2) walk in his ways, and (3) keep his commands, statutes, and ordinances. God commanded obedience. By this God would multiply their families as well as their flocks and fields in the land they would occupy, indicating that they would prosper. This was in contrast with the earlier generation who had been slaves in Egypt. The Lord reminded the people that God would be with them in the challenges and difficulties that lay ahead. Moses exhorted the Israelites to be totally committed in following his commands and thereby receive his blessings. Obedience brings both quantity and quality of life to both individuals and community. Steps to Failure (17): He knows we fail to keep his statutes and ordinances. We are distracted by all that glitters in our society. We get tripped up by our selfish motives. Moses then laid out a five-step digression or slippery slope to disobedience. (1) It begins with the heart, that is observing all that sparkles; seeing the Canaanite’s freedom or lack of constraints; (2) a failure to listen to the Lord. (3) giving into temptation. (4) worshiping false gods and finally (5) serving those gods. Total Commitment (18) A decline in trust, faith, or obedience leads to death and a shorter life. Moses urged the people to make a total commitment while God’s faithfulness was fresh in their minds. He promised a long life and prosperity if they obeyed or disaster would overtake them. Challenge : Do you understand the difference between the dictionary and biblical definitions of prosperity? Do you see disobedience as a rejection of God? Have you been fooled into believing that there is no penalty for sin? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)