Jesus' Baptism: The New Adam's Obedience and Grace
Summary
In our study of the Gospel according to Saint Luke, we delve into the profound significance of Jesus' baptism, as recorded in Luke 3:13-22. This event, though briefly recounted, holds immense theological weight. As we explore this passage, we are reminded of the importance of understanding Jesus' role as the new Adam, whose perfect obedience stands in stark contrast to the disobedience of the first Adam. This obedience is not merely passive, as seen in His submission to the crucifixion, but also active, demonstrated through His entire life of fulfilling the law and the will of the Father.
The baptism of Jesus, a seemingly perplexing act given His sinless nature, is a pivotal moment in His earthly ministry. It marks His public anointing as the Messiah, the Christos, and the beginning of His redemptive mission. This act of submission to baptism is not just a ritual but a fulfillment of all righteousness, a necessary step in His role as the new Adam. Through His obedience, Jesus accomplishes what Adam failed to do, offering life where there was once death.
The concept of Jesus as the new Adam is further illuminated by Paul's teachings in Romans 5, where the contrast between Adam's disobedience and Jesus' obedience is made clear. Through Adam's transgression, sin and death entered the world, but through Jesus' obedience, grace and life abound. This underscores the doctrine of the perfect active obedience of Christ, a cornerstone of Christian theology that assures us of our salvation not by our works, but by His.
In reflecting on this, we are reminded of the covenantal framework within which these events unfold. The covenant of works, established with Adam, demanded perfect obedience for life. Jesus, in His perfect obedience, fulfills this covenant on our behalf, offering His righteousness to us through faith. This is the essence of the covenant of grace, where we are justified not by our deeds but by the merit of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' baptism is a profound act of obedience, marking the beginning of His public ministry and fulfilling all righteousness. It signifies His role as the new Adam, who succeeds where the first Adam failed, offering life through His obedience. [09:00]
- The distinction between Jesus' active and passive obedience is crucial. His passive obedience is seen in His willing submission to the cross, while His active obedience is His lifelong fulfillment of the law, living in perfect harmony with the Father's will. [07:28]
- The covenant of works, established with Adam, required perfect obedience for life. Jesus fulfills this covenant through His perfect obedience, offering His righteousness to us, thus transforming the covenant of works into a covenant of grace. [22:00]
- The doctrine of the perfect active obedience of Christ is essential for understanding our salvation. It assures us that we are justified not by our works but by the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us through faith. [23:21]
- The voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism, declaring Him as the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased, affirms His identity and mission. It is through His obedience that we escape the consequences of Adam's sin and find salvation. [30:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Reading from Luke 3:13-22
[01:39] - The Significance of Jesus' Baptism
[02:26] - Seeking Understanding and Illumination
[03:11] - Theological Crisis in 1929
[04:23] - The Founding of Westminster Seminary
[06:07] - J. Gresham Machen's Last Words
[07:10] - Active vs. Passive Obedience of Christ
[09:00] - The Perplexity of Jesus' Baptism
[11:25] - Fulfilling All Righteousness
[13:14] - Jesus as the New Adam
[15:03] - Life and Death Through Obedience
[16:25] - The Covenant of Creation
[18:09] - The Fall and Its Consequences
[21:12] - The Promise of a New Adam
[23:21] - Justification by Works and Grace
[25:27] - The Necessity of Jesus' Baptism
[29:24] - The Anointing of Jesus as Messiah
[30:42] - The Name Above All Names
[31:41] - Grateful for Christ's Obedience
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 3:13-22
- Romans 5:12-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant event in Jesus' life is described in Luke 3:13-22, and why is it considered perplexing given His sinless nature? [09:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between Jesus' active and passive obedience? [07:28]
3. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus' baptism play in His public ministry and mission? [29:24]
4. How does the sermon explain the voice from heaven during Jesus' baptism, and what does it signify about His identity? [30:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the new Adam, as discussed in Romans 5, help us understand the significance of His obedience? [15:03]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' baptism was a fulfillment of all righteousness? How does this relate to the covenant of works? [11:25]
3. How does the sermon explain the transformation from the covenant of works to the covenant of grace through Jesus' obedience? [22:00]
4. What does the doctrine of the perfect active obedience of Christ mean for our understanding of salvation, according to the sermon? [23:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of Jesus' active obedience. How can you actively pursue obedience in your own life, and what specific steps can you take this week to align more closely with God's will? [08:31]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of Jesus' baptism as a public declaration of His mission. How can you publicly declare your faith in your daily life, and what might be holding you back from doing so? [29:24]
3. Consider the concept of Jesus as the new Adam. How does this understanding impact your view of sin and redemption in your own life? [15:03]
4. The sermon emphasizes the covenant of grace. How can you live in a way that reflects gratitude for the grace you have received through Christ? [22:00]
5. The voice from heaven affirmed Jesus' identity and mission. How do you seek affirmation of your identity in Christ, and what practices can help you remain grounded in that identity? [30:06]
6. Reflect on the distinction between active and passive obedience. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to be actively obedient, and how can you address these challenges? [07:28]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of understanding our salvation through Christ's righteousness. How does this understanding change the way you approach your relationship with God and others? [23:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Baptism as the New Adam's Obedience
The baptism of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 3:13-22, is a profound act of obedience that marks the beginning of His public ministry. Despite His sinless nature, Jesus' submission to baptism is a pivotal moment that signifies His role as the new Adam. Unlike the first Adam, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world, Jesus' obedience offers life and righteousness. This act is not merely a ritual but a fulfillment of all righteousness, demonstrating His commitment to His redemptive mission. Through His obedience, Jesus accomplishes what Adam failed to do, offering life where there was once death. [09:00]
Romans 5:18-19 (ESV): "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively demonstrate obedience to God in your daily life, following the example of Jesus' baptism?
Day 2: The Distinction Between Active and Passive Obedience
Understanding the distinction between Jesus' active and passive obedience is crucial for grasping the depth of His sacrifice. His passive obedience is evident in His willing submission to the cross, where He bore the sins of humanity. However, His active obedience is seen throughout His life as He perfectly fulfilled the law and lived in harmony with the Father's will. This lifelong commitment to righteousness is what sets Jesus apart as the new Adam, succeeding where the first Adam failed. His obedience assures us of our salvation, not by our works, but by His righteousness. [07:28]
Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV): "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you can practice active obedience to God's will today. What steps can you take to align your actions with His commands?
Day 3: Transforming the Covenant of Works into a Covenant of Grace
The covenant of works, established with Adam, required perfect obedience for life. Jesus, through His perfect obedience, fulfills this covenant on our behalf, transforming it into a covenant of grace. This means that we are justified not by our deeds but by the merit of Christ. His righteousness is imputed to us through faith, offering us salvation and eternal life. This profound truth underscores the essence of the Gospel, reminding us that our salvation is secured by Christ's obedience, not our own efforts. [22:00]
Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."
Reflection: How does understanding the covenant of grace change your perspective on your relationship with God? What does it mean for you to live under grace rather than works?
Day 4: The Doctrine of Perfect Active Obedience
The doctrine of the perfect active obedience of Christ is essential for understanding our salvation. It assures us that we are justified not by our works but by the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us through faith. This doctrine highlights the significance of Jesus' life, where He actively fulfilled the law and the will of the Father. His obedience is the foundation of our salvation, offering us assurance and hope. As believers, we are called to rest in His finished work, knowing that our righteousness comes from Him alone. [23:21]
Philippians 3:9 (ESV): "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to rely on Christ's righteousness. How can you shift your focus from your own efforts to trusting in His perfect obedience?
Day 5: The Affirmation of Jesus' Identity and Mission
At Jesus' baptism, the voice from heaven declares Him as the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased. This affirmation of His identity and mission is a powerful reminder of His divine authority and purpose. Through His obedience, we escape the consequences of Adam's sin and find salvation. This moment at the Jordan River marks the beginning of His redemptive mission, where He would ultimately fulfill the Father's will through His life, death, and resurrection. As believers, we are invited to embrace our identity in Christ and live out His mission in our lives. [30:06]
Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV): "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; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"
Reflection: How does the affirmation of Jesus' identity as the beloved Son impact your understanding of your own identity in Christ? What steps can you take to live out His mission in your daily life?
Quotes
"Now Jesus could have, and maybe even did since we don't get all the dialogue for us but let me speculate for a second that Jesus could have said to John the Baptist, John look, this is just a covenant ritual that we're going on here, and no harm no foul you just go ahead and baptize me and I'll explain it later." [00:11:49]
"Well, if there's anyone in this world I don't know who has labored more in our day and behalf of the reformed doctrine of justification by faith alone than I have. I speak as a fool, but as much as I believe in the doctrine of justification by faith alone I tell people remember at the end of the day there's only one way to be justified in the sight of God." [00:23:16]
"Now, without the obedience of Jesus, without his perfect active obedience, he would not have done for us what Adam failed so miserably to accomplish. Now to understand this we have to go back to the Old Testament and look at it in the context of covenant. There are covenants all through the Bible but we have the covenant with Noah, the covenant with Abraham, the covenant with Moses, the new covenant that we have with Jesus in the New Testament." [00:15:39]
"Now, Jesus could have, and maybe even did since we don't get all the dialogue for us but let me speculate for a second that Jesus could have said to John the Baptist, John look, this is just a covenant ritual that we're going on here, and no harm no foul you just go ahead and baptize me and I'll explain it later." [00:11:49]
"Now, without the obedience of Jesus, without his perfect active obedience, he would not have done for us what Adam failed so miserably to accomplish. Now to understand this we have to go back to the Old Testament and look at it in the context of covenant. There are covenants all through the Bible but we have the covenant with Noah, the covenant with Abraham, the covenant with Moses, the new covenant that we have with Jesus in the New Testament." [00:15:39]
"Now, Jesus could have, and maybe even did since we don't get all the dialogue for us but let me speculate for a second that Jesus could have said to John the Baptist, John look, this is just a covenant ritual that we're going on here, and no harm no foul you just go ahead and baptize me and I'll explain it later." [00:11:49]
"Now, without the obedience of Jesus, without his perfect active obedience, he would not have done for us what Adam failed so miserably to accomplish. Now to understand this we have to go back to the Old Testament and look at it in the context of covenant. There are covenants all through the Bible but we have the covenant with Noah, the covenant with Abraham, the covenant with Moses, the new covenant that we have with Jesus in the New Testament." [00:15:39]
"Now, Jesus could have, and maybe even did since we don't get all the dialogue for us but let me speculate for a second that Jesus could have said to John the Baptist, John look, this is just a covenant ritual that we're going on here, and no harm no foul you just go ahead and baptize me and I'll explain it later." [00:11:49]
"Now, without the obedience of Jesus, without his perfect active obedience, he would not have done for us what Adam failed so miserably to accomplish. Now to understand this we have to go back to the Old Testament and look at it in the context of covenant. There are covenants all through the Bible but we have the covenant with Noah, the covenant with Abraham, the covenant with Moses, the new covenant that we have with Jesus in the New Testament." [00:15:39]
"Now, Jesus could have, and maybe even did since we don't get all the dialogue for us but let me speculate for a second that Jesus could have said to John the Baptist, John look, this is just a covenant ritual that we're going on here, and no harm no foul you just go ahead and baptize me and I'll explain it later." [00:11:49]
"Now, without the obedience of Jesus, without his perfect active obedience, he would not have done for us what Adam failed so miserably to accomplish. Now to understand this we have to go back to the Old Testament and look at it in the context of covenant. There are covenants all through the Bible but we have the covenant with Noah, the covenant with Abraham, the covenant with Moses, the new covenant that we have with Jesus in the New Testament." [00:15:39]
"Now, Jesus could have, and maybe even did since we don't get all the dialogue for us but let me speculate for a second that Jesus could have said to John the Baptist, John look, this is just a covenant ritual that we're going on here, and no harm no foul you just go ahead and baptize me and I'll explain it later." [00:11:49]
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