The Bridge to Zion

by Rev. Kirby Williams

Recognizing the baptism of Jesus Christ as a bridge connecting the Old and New Testaments.

Text: Matthew 3:13-15
Date: 02/21/2010, the service.
Series: "Matthew" Part 7

The baptism of Jesus Christ has long puzzled students of the Gospels. Why did Jesus submit to baptism? What did He mean when He said it was to "fulfill all righteousness"? How does His baptism relate to ours? The answers to these questions will focus our attention entirely on Christ and His glorious fulfillment of Old Testament covenants, promises and prophecies. His baptism is a "bridge" between the Old and New Testaments, intricately tying the two together, defining Jesus' role in redemptive history, and paving the way to the advent of the Messianic Kingdom.

1. Introduction
2. Exposition of the text, Matthew 3:13-17.
1. Context.
2. The baptism of Jesus, vs. 13-15.
1. The visitor from Galilee, vs. 13.
2. Why was Jesus there?
1. Some say to repent.
2. Some say He was aware of His calling, Isa. 53:12.
3. Some say to be obedient to God's commands through John.
4. Some say to identify with sinners, Luke 5:32.
5. Some say for the sins He would carry on the cross, 2Cor. 5:21.
3. John's objections, vs. 14.
1. How well did John know Jesus? John 1:29,33.
2. The moral superiority of Jesus.
3. A better baptism.
3. Fulfilling all righteousness, vs. 15.
1. Humiliation and obedience.
2. Identification with His people.
3. As a sign of His crosswork.
4. As a bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
1. Grounded in history.
2. The conquest of Canaan.
1. Abraham's covenant, Gen. 17:26-27.
2. Joshua's circumcision, Josh 5:7-8.
3. The Ark in the Jordan, Joshua 3-4.
4. The new Yeshua.
3. The King returns, 2Sam. 19:15.
5. The fulfillment of all righteousness
3. Application
4. Conclusion