Matt 3-4

In Matt 3, John the Baptist breaks the 400 years of silence. Baptism is a form of ceremonial washings. Pagans wanting to convert to Judaism would repent and be baptized, but John here treats Jewish people on the same terms as pagans
Do you realize neither rituals (vv. 7-8) nor our heritage (v. 9) are able to save us from God’s judgment? Only the true repentance in Jesus Christ can.

My sharing:

In Jesus' temptation, I learn that Satan tempts us to act:

(1) independently from God’s will (v. 3)
Decision making should not be solely based on whether we have the resource, power or right to do it. We should always ask for God’s guidance.
(2) presumptuously by taking God’s word out of context (v. 6)
We are suppose to wait for God instead of to test God.
(3) pragmatically using the end to justify the means (v. 9)
The goal for Jesus is to save this world. Satan offers a way to do that without going through the cross. But the end is as important as the means in God’s eye.

Comments

Audrey said…
The preaching of John the Baptist is very serious. He concerns about their sins v.6. People may surprise when John criticizes on the religious leaders v.7. They are lost people v.7b. They do not have the real substance of the believers v.8. John does not hesitate to point this out to the people. Do we have this courage? Can we disregard a person status and point out their sins? On the other hand leaders are very important. If they do not have the real substance they cannot lead the people correctly. Jesus starts to preach the Word in v.17. However, in v.18-22 Matthew describes how Jesus calls the disciples. In other words, the calling of disciples are very part of the job of preaching the words. Do we pay attention to train the leaders of the next generation? How can the Word be heard when you leave?
April 10, 2007 at 7:41:00 AM CST
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