1: It may be wondered here why the Holy Spirit would lead him intentionally to temptation. Two things must be observed, however. First, Jesus temptation was similar to that of Adam and Eve in the garden. The Second Adam was prepared to undergo temptation, and did so without sin. Secondly, by temptation, the Messiah becomes familiar with…

16-17: So very much happens in these two verses. Jesus quickly came out of the water and received this heavenly signal, as if he knew it was coming, for surely he did. Here all three persons of the Godhead are plainly seen. Jesus, identified as the Son, the dove, which was the Holy Spirit bodily…

15: Many, including myself, have wondered along with John about the reasons for Jesus’ baptism. However, the reasons are not immediately obvious because they are so numerous. First, it must be said that there are human reasons, and divine reasons. Since Jesus is both, this is only appropriate.The primary human reason has to do with…

14: John recognized his need for Spirit baptism from Christ, even though he was full of the Spirit from birth. If John needed Jesus, no one else could need less. This is a great testimony to John’s ministry. It shows that he understood his place in relation to Christ. Personal Journal Entry #12116Prayer Journal Entry…

13: Jesus did not, obviously, come to John because of a need for repentance. Indeed, the baptism of Christ served as approval for John’s ministry. It showed that the Father approved. Beyond this, it served as a testimony to Christ Jesus, and the legitimacy of his ministry. It was thus the connecting point between the…

12: The picture here is of one purging the wheat to remove the straw. Though Jesus is able to do this with all of the world, and he will, this is speaking more specifically of the Jewish nation. This is appropriate, since John’s ministry was concerned solely with the Jews. It served as further warning…

11: John baptized as a an outward symbol of a person’s genuine repentance. But, Jesus, the Messiah, brought to us the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is important not to get confused here. There are four different baptisms to get straight. First, there is John’s baptism, which was only to prepare people for Christ. It was…

10: This verse, taken in context, is not teaching salvation by works. As John had already said, repentance is the key. However, true repentance will not be forthcoming in the life of one who does not bring forth good works. The works follow the repentance. So, if repentance is not forthcoming, there would be no works to…

8: John asked for a repentance evidenced by works. He knew well that these were expert at a pretended piety. He was warning them not to think that this was yet another feather for their cap. He would not baptize them unless their repentance was genuine. Those whom he baptized could make specific statements concerning…

7: In some cases, shocking statements may be needed to jolt certain religious persons into a realization of their need for repentance. Personal Journal Entry #12110Prayer Journal Entry #12110Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 12:1-14:31Praise Journal Entry #12070: Heavenly Father, thank You for another day to serve You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…