Topic 7 Jesus’ Baptism Flashcards
Who was John the Baptist?
- cousin of jesus - baptised ppl
Who is John the Baptist portrayed as being like?
- Old Testament prophet Elijah as he wore similar clothing
- Elijah had gone to heaven in chariot rather than dying
What does it say in Malachi 3:1 that suggests God will send a messenger to baptise jesus?
God will send a messenger to ‘prepare the way before me’
The fact that it is john who baptises Jesus links the Old and New Testaments and shows what?
That Jesus is part of god’s eternal plan
What does John say in Matthew 3:11?
‘I baptise you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire’
What does Matthew 3:11 show?
- Jesus’ importance > John’s
- Baptise w/ Holy Spirit suggests -> jesus has divine powers
- Theme of HS prevelant in John -> jesus promises HS will come upon disciples after he leaves them -> fulfilled at Pentecost (acts 2) disciples baptised in HS -> speak in tongues
Jesus is sinless. So why was he baptised?
- symbol of obedience + humility + to show his humanity (just like everyone else, relatable)
- demonstrates how others should follow his example
What does christologically mean?
Demonstrates Jesus’ ‘god’ -ness
Why is John’s role christologically significant?
- fulfils what prophet Isaiah said
- clarifies that this is part of god’s ultimate plan + jesus = messiah -> who will save his people (many expected him to save them from romans)
What happens when Jesus comes up out of the water?
- Holy Spirit ‘descends like a 🕊 and there is a voice 🎤 from heaven saying ‘this is my son whom i love’
- > showing that jesus is god’s son incarnate
Outline the differences between the presentation of the baptism in Luke, Matthew, John and Mark’s gospel
- Luke’s Gospel voice is more personal ‘YOU are my son , whom I love’ and it is only seen and heard by Jesus
- Matthew’s gospel - everyone sees and hears it
- In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist testifies he saw the HS
- However in Mark, John didn’t recognise Jesus and nothing unusual happened in the baptism
What does Jesus’ baptism mark?
Beginning of ministry
Parallel w/ Pentecost when Jesus goes back into heaven and Holy Spirit comes down again (continuing Jesus work)
What is the significance of Jesus’ baptism today?
- We should get baptised 💦 😇
- Baptists follow Jesus’ example to get baptised as an adult as symbol of repentance for sins
- Adds weight to importance of baptism -> not created by early church but crucial as gods back to Jesus himself
What is the significance on Jesus baptism today? (Trinity)
- Supports belief in trinity -> Holy Spirit, father + son, all present at the event
What did Pope Benedict stress?
- Jesus’ complete identification with sinners 👿
- shows Jesus’ humanity + can rely on him to help us when we are faced by sin (identifies w us thru being baptised)
