Jesus: The Beloved Son and Our Righteousness
Summary
Beloved congregation, as we gather today, we delve back into the Gospel of Luke, picking up where we left off six weeks ago. We're reminded that Luke's Gospel is not only a historical account of Jesus' life but also a theological narrative, rich with spiritual meaning intended for our understanding. Luke carefully includes and omits certain events to make a point about who Jesus is and what He came to do.
In the first three chapters of Luke, we are presented with the events leading up to Jesus' earthly ministry, including His birth, childhood, and the first glimpse of His adult life. Luke's purpose is to lay a foundation for us, so when we proceed to the rest of the Gospel, we have a clear picture of Jesus' identity and mission.
We revisit John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, whose life was prophesied to prepare the way for the Lord. John's baptism was one of repentance, signaling the need for the coming Messiah. As people flocked to John, they began to wonder if he might be the Christ. John, aware of their expectations, clarifies that he is not the Messiah but merely a precursor to one far superior.
John proclaims that Jesus is superior to everyone and everything, emphasizing that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This is significant because only God can bestow the Holy Spirit and enact judgment. John's message is clear: Jesus is God incarnate.
As we turn to the account of Jesus' baptism, we encounter a profound moment where the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus as the beloved Son. This event publicly affirms Jesus' identity and mission, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating His perfect obedience and righteousness.
Jesus' baptism is not for repentance but to fulfill all righteousness. He lived a life of perfect obedience, not for His own sake but to offer His perfect record to us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus exchanges our sinful record for His righteousness, enabling us to stand before God as beloved children.
In summary, the superiority of Jesus is foundational to our faith. He is the one who enacts God's judgment, gives the Holy Spirit, and offers us communion with the Father. Jesus' perfect righteousness is imputed to us, making us heirs and beloved children of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus' baptism was an act of obedience, not of necessity. His submission to baptism was to fulfill all righteousness, demonstrating His commitment to God's will and His role as the sinless Savior. This act of obedience is a model for us, calling us to live lives that reflect Jesus' submission to the Father. [25:53]
2. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus during His baptism was a public affirmation of His divine mission and empowerment for ministry. This moment serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is also given to us, empowering us for the work God has called us to do. The Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to our connection with Christ. [34:26]
3. The voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son underscores the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father. This declaration invites us to consider our own adoption as children of God, made possible through Jesus' sacrifice. In Christ, we too are beloved by the Father and called to live in that identity. [36:32]
4. Jesus' superiority is not just in His divine nature but also in His role as the ultimate judge. His baptism with fire signifies both refinement and judgment. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace His refining work in our lives, allowing Him to purify us and prepare us for His kingdom. [13:23]
5. The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, confirming His Messiahship. As we study Scripture, we are encouraged to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, strengthening our faith and understanding of His redemptive plan. This perspective helps us to appreciate the continuity and depth of God's word. [11:03]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 3:19-22
- Matthew 3:14-15
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event happens to Jesus in Luke 3:21-22, and what are the key elements of this event?
2. According to Matthew 3:14-15, why does Jesus insist on being baptized by John the Baptist?
3. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, what exchange is described between Jesus and believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' baptism described as an act of obedience rather than necessity? How does this demonstrate His commitment to God's will? [25:53]
2. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in bodily form like a dove during His baptism? How does this event affirm Jesus' divine mission? [34:26]
3. How does the voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son underscore the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father? What does this declaration invite believers to consider about their own relationship with God? [36:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Jesus' act of obedience in His baptism. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to demonstrate obedience to God, even if it doesn't seem necessary? How can you take a step towards that obedience this week? [25:53]
2. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus for His ministry. In what ways do you feel the Holy Spirit empowering you in your daily life? How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance? [34:26]
3. The voice from heaven affirmed Jesus' identity as the beloved Son. How does knowing that you are also a beloved child of God through Jesus' sacrifice impact your daily life and decisions? [36:32]
4. John the Baptist emphasized Jesus' superiority and His role in enacting God's judgment. How do you respond to the idea of Jesus as both a loving Savior and a righteous judge? How does this dual role influence your faith and actions? [13:23]
5. The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises strengthen your faith? Can you identify a specific promise of God that has been meaningful in your life? [11:03]
6. Jesus' perfect righteousness is imputed to believers, enabling them to stand before God as beloved children. How does this truth affect your understanding of grace and forgiveness? How can you live out this identity in your interactions with others? [29:10]
7. Consider the refining work of Jesus in your life. Are there areas where you feel God is purifying you? How can you embrace this process and allow it to prepare you for His kingdom? [13:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience in Baptism Reflects Righteousness
Jesus' baptism was a profound act of obedience, setting an example for us to follow. He did not need baptism for repentance, but He chose to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. This act was a demonstration of His commitment to God's will and His role as the sinless Savior. It is a model for us, calling us to live lives that reflect Jesus' submission to the Father. In our own lives, we are often faced with decisions that test our willingness to submit to God's will. Jesus' example teaches us that true obedience is not about convenience or necessity but about aligning our actions with God's righteousness.
Matthew 3:15 says, "But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.'" This passage highlights the importance of Jesus' baptism as an act of obedience and fulfillment of God's plan.
Reflection: In what ways can you practice obedience to God's will today, even when it might be challenging or counterintuitive? [25:53]
Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit for Ministry
The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus during His baptism was not only a sign of His divine mission but also an empowerment for His ministry. This event publicly affirmed Jesus' identity and equipped Him for the work ahead. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is given to us, empowering us for the work God has called us to do. The presence of the Spirit in our lives is a testament to our connection with Christ and a source of strength and guidance as we navigate our own ministries and callings.
Acts 10:38 states, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him." This verse reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' ministry and in our own lives.
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily tasks and interactions? [34:26]
Day 3: Adopted as Beloved Children
The voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism declaring Him as the beloved Son is a powerful reminder of the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father. This declaration also invites us to consider our own adoption as children of God, made possible through Jesus' sacrifice. In Christ, we are beloved by the Father and called to live in that identity. Understanding our position as God's children can transform how we view ourselves and how we interact with others.
Galatians 4:6-7 says, "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." This passage speaks to our new identity in Christ and the intimate relationship we have with God as our Father.
Reflection: What does it mean to you to be a child of God, and how does this identity shape your self-perception and actions? [36:32]
Day 4: Embracing Refinement and Judgment
Jesus' superiority is evident not only in His divine nature but also in His role as the ultimate judge. His baptism with fire signifies both refinement and judgment. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace His refining work in our lives, allowing Him to purify us and prepare us for His kingdom. This process can be challenging, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and readiness to enter God's presence.
1 Peter 1:6-7 reads, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This scripture encourages us to endure trials as a means of refining our faith.
Reflection: What areas of your life need refinement, and how can you cooperate with God's purifying process? [13:23]
Day 5: Fulfillment of Prophecy Strengthens Faith
The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, confirming His Messiahship. Recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises strengthens our faith and deepens our understanding of His redemptive plan. This perspective helps us appreciate the continuity and depth of God's word and encourages us to trust in His faithfulness.
Luke 24:44-45 states, "Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." This passage emphasizes the importance of seeing Jesus as the culmination of biblical prophecy.
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy impact your trust in God's promises for your life? [11:03]
Quotes
1) "The superiority of Jesus means he can save to the uttermost because of who he is and what he came to do. He can take fallen sinners, sons and daughters, and do the work to make us in his own image to restore us." [41:26] ( | | )
2) "Only God can do these two things only God can be the one who sends the Holy Spirit only God has the right to enact judgment and so John is saying that when you and I think of Jesus, He is God himself." [17:09] ( | | )
3) "Jesus always perfectly obeyed God the father and what we know is that God had called upon John to issue forth this baptism and for obedient Jews they were to hear the call to be baptized in preparation for the coming Messiah." [25:53] ( | | )
4) "Jesus had communion with and the acceptance of God the father and God the holy spirit. This is why Luke says we need to see him as Superior. John says he enacts God's judgment, John says he gives the Holy Spirit." [37:54] ( | | )
5) "Jesus Christ had to live the perfect life he had to have a perfect record which he could impute, which he could place upon you and me. He exchanged your sinful record and my sinful record for his perfect record of obedience." [28:28] ( | | )
6) "Jesus enacts God's judgment. He's the one who has been given authority by God. In receiving Jesus one is ultimately purified and forgiven of their sins, they are made new creations." [14:34] ( | | )
7) "Jesus did not need to be baptized in the same way as others, but he was being baptized for a very specific reason... to fulfill all righteousness then John consented." [25:53] ( | | )
8) "If Jesus wasn't Superior to you and I in this way, then you could never be adopted as a son and daughter of God. If Jesus wasn't Superior in this way, if he was just another man who came, you couldn't have communion with the father." [38:39] ( | | )
9) "Jesus is the perfect Son of God who came and so what's happening Church in all of this, it's not that the father is performing a new Act of adoption... he's affirming what we know to be true." [37:15] ( | | )
10) "Jesus says As you stand before the judge I'm giving you my perfect righteous record... he says that entire electronic digital history that you have, to use the picture, I've wiped it away and I've put in all of my perfect records." [30:45] ( | | )
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