John the Baptist | Restoration Profile
1119 Matthew 4 :10 John the Baptist | Restoration Profile
MATTHEW 3:1-17; 11:1-15; 14:1-12; MARK 1:2-11; 6:14-29; LUKE 1:5-25,39-80; 7:18-35; 9:7-9 After telling about Jesus’s unique background and birth, Matthew introduced John the Baptist into his Gospel full-grown and thundering repentance. Mark actually began his Gospel with John the Baptist’s ministry as the messenger of the Messiah. Luke took the time to tell us about John’s mirac- ulous birth to aged parents and his eagerness, even in the womb, to announce the coming Savior. The purpose of John’s life also set him on a collision course with religious and political powers unwilling to accept his announcement.
Luke summarized John’s adolescence in a phrase: “The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel” (Lk 1:80). Few of us understand God’s call on our lives as John did, and yet he shared the same need for resto- ration and assurance we all have. Two moments of uncertainty stand out in his life: Jesus’s baptism and his own arrest. Jesus’s request for baptism jolted John’s worldview. Why would the Lamb of God submit to a symbol of repentance unless he who was sinless was identifying with sinners he came to save? And from prison John wondered why Jesus wasn’t fulfilling the expected political role that had been shaped for the Messiah? Jesus’s word of restoration to John pointed the baptizer to think again about what God’s Word really said about the Savior (Mt 11:4-6). The Messiah John had announced was doing exactly what God had promised.
The heart of restoration is found in God’s Son and God’s Word. Discouragement and doubt dissi- pate if we continue to seek first the life God has given us. Sometimes we have to be reminded to get back on track.
is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached floor and gather his wheat into the barn. But the him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.” these stones to become bread.” 4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not THE BAPTISM OF JESUS live on bread alone but on every word that 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the comes from the mouth of God. ” B Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, you, and yet you come to me? ” 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, 15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, throw yourself down. For it is written: because this is the way for us to fulfill all He will give his angels orders righteous ness.” Then John allowed him to be concerning you, baptized. and they will support you 16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up with their hands immediately from the water. The heavens so that you will not strike suddenly opened for him, A and he saw the your foot against a stone.” C Spirit of God descending like a dove and com ing down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am test the Lord your God.” D well-pleased.” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms THEP TEM TatION OF JESUS of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into to him, “I will give you all these things if you 4 the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. will fall down and worship me.” e 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, f Satan! For a 3:16 Other mss omit for him b 4:4 Dt 8:3 c 4:6 Ps 91:11-12 d 4:7 Dt 6:16 e 4:9 Or and pay me homage f 4:10 Other mss read “Get behind me
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