Fat Tuesday: Baptism of Jesus Christ

Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday.

A day of excess and celebration.

Yet, we often forget how this day relates to Christianity. It’s been so far removed that the link is very weak. But for me, this day is a reminder of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and his baptism by John the Baptist. Each of the four gospels records this event. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-13, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:29-34) They describe the anointing of the Messiah King into public ministry at the age of 30, beginning with his baptism. All three parts of the Trinity are involved in this celebratory event.

Baptism of Jesus

At this time, John the Baptist started preaching, telling all to repent for the kingdom of heaven was imminent. He gained many followers, baptizing them in the Jordan River after they repented and confessed their sin as a symbol of conversion.

Jesus came see John to be baptized but John initially refused. John knew that Jesus was the Messiah who was sinless and blameless. Therefore, in John’s eyes, Jesus did not need to be baptized because he did not have anything to repent. Instead John, a sinner, needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus replied that this was the right way to proceed to fulfill righteousness. So John baptized Jesus in the Jordan river.

Jesus was baptized to identify himself with sinners as a friend of sinners. The event itself symbolized his life, death, and resurrection.  Jesus’ baptism is a symbol of transformation and purification.

The Spirit Lands on Jesus

After Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove lands on Jesus. This is the first half of the divine confirmation that Jesus is the Messiah. The dove, in Jewish culture, is a sacrificial animal and a symbol of sacrifice. The Spirit in dove form acknowledges that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for humanity. By this, Jesus is anointed for service and the Spirit strengthens his humanity.

God Praises Jesus

When the dove lands on Jesus, a voice from heaven calls out saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” God’s statement is the second half of the divine confirmation that Jesus is the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior and king. God makes this statement to accept Jesus as a worthy sacrifice to save humanity.

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry begins with his baptism by John the Baptist. It is there that both the Holy Spirit and God confirms Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and deity. It is through the baptism that Jesus identifies himself with sinners, being a perfect sacrifice for them as the long awaited Savior.

This is the highest honor given to Jesus at the beginning of his ministry and it is a reason for celebration.

Original Source: Grace to You John MacArthur Sermon May 7, 1978

Origin of Christmas: Visit of the Magi

In Matthew 2, the Magi wanted to find the the king of the Jews, so that they can worship him. Before they left for Bethlehem, Herod requested that the Magi tell him when the star appeared and the location of the king once he was found. So the Magi left Jerusalem and when they did, the star appeared and guided them to the location of the king. They find Mary and Joseph living in a house in Bethlehem and Jesus is a few months old.

It was then that Magi worshipped the king of the Jews, Jesus.

Gifts of the Magi

The Magi presented gifts to the young family. These gifts were expensive and were for royalty. It was probably used to finance the family’s way to Egypt and to support their situation there.

• Gold – jewelry, valuable, gift for a king
• Frankincense – incense, fragrant scent for weddings and temple sacrifices, gift to God
• Myrrh – perfume for clothing, wedding, and burial, anesthetic, prepare body for burial, make life less odorous, gift for a mortal man

The Magi did not realize the significance of the gifts but the symbolism of them show that they knew Jesus as king, as God, and as Man.

After they spent time with Jesus, they were warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod. So they left for their homeland, taking a different route.

The visit of the Magi is important because it shows that even though the Jews did not recognize their king, the Gentile kingmakers believed in the prophecy. They knew the Messiah had arrived and worshipped him as king of the Jews.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon February 1978 Part 1, 2

Origin of Christmas: Star of Bethlehem

When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, they had a political and spiritual purpose to find the Messiah, the king of the Jews. Matthew 2 describes the visit of the Magi, the Gentile kingmakers looking for Jesus.

Several months after Jesus is born that the Magi arrive, probably 6-7 months later. Mary and Joseph are no longer in the manger but in a house. The arrival of the Magi is most likely after the 40 days of cleansing and the journey to Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Herod assembled the scribes and priests to figure out where the Messiah would be born. They replied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David, according to Micah 5:2.

Bethlehem was a small town. In Genesis, Isaac buried Rachel there. Ruth and Boaz lived there. It was most known as David’s hometown. The meaning of Bethlehem is “house of bread” and it is from this town that Jesus, the “bread of life” comes. Although the scribes and priests knew where the Messiah would be born, they did not show any interest in seeking the Messiah as the Magi did.

Who is Herod?

Herod is the son of Antipater, the Roman governor of Judea and Jerusalem. He was of the tribe of Edom, an Idumaean, an enemy of the Jews. He and his father gained political power through the Roman occupation. Herod was in charge of Galilee in 47 BC and when a civil war erupted in 40 BC, he took a Roman army and successfully ended the war. In 37 BC, he became the king of the Jews, maintaining peace and collecting taxes for the Romans.

Herod was a cunning politician, a great leader in battle, but also very jealous of his power that he killed his own family. He was a man that many feared and many did not like. When the Magi arrived looking for the king of the Jews, he was about 70 years old and did not like the threat of a new king who could challenge his authority. He sought to devise a plan to discover where the new king would be born.

What is the Star?

The Magi mentioned that they saw “His star” in the East. They did not follow the star, but they already knew they had to head to Israel. In Luke 2:9, when the shepherds and angels met, the glory of the Lord shone around them. This bright light must have been the star that the Magi saw. In Numbers 24:17, the glory of God is referred to as a star. It must have been the appearance of a new thing that not everyone can see. The star or the “shining forth” that the Magi saw was so unique and different from the astrological events that they were accustomed with that they knew it had to be the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy.

The Magi came to Israel to worship the king of the Jews and the star was a sign to bring them there.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon February 12, 1978

Origin of Christmas: Who are the Wise Men?

In Matthew 2, there is an account of the Wise Men from the East visiting Jesus. There is not a lot of information about them in the Bible. But, they are referred to as the Magi, a priestly tribe of the Medes and Persians.

What do we know about them?

• They are skilled in astronomy and astrology
• Practiced divination, sorcery, and “magic”
• High ranking officials and advisors with influential political power
• Later influenced by Zoroastrianism
• Medo-Persian kingmakers

Similar to the Jews

• A separated priestly tribe
• Monotheistic religion
• Worship fire, with an altar with a perpetual flame and a second altar for blood sacrifice
• Separation of clean and unclean food
• Separation of clean and unclean events and situations

Influenced by the Jews

During the Babylonian empire, the Magi were royal advisors to King Nebuchadnezzar in Jeremiah 39:3-19. Through the elevation of Daniel as ruler of the Magi and the magicians, in the book of Daniel, the Magi came across the Jewish prophecy of the Messiah. They believed in God and the coming Messiah. In Esther 1:13, all of the judges in office were Magi. The Magi were an ancient tribe with powerful connections and held great political power.

In Jesus’ Day

The Roman empire often fought against the Partheon Empire (Eastern empire). The battle lines were usually drawn along Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The Magi were still in power as kingmakers. The Eastern kingdom was always looking for a way to fight against Rome, however their current king was deposed and they were looking for a new king. When they saw the star, they remembered the Messiah prophecy and went to Jerusalem. They were looking for the king of the Jews, newly born, to be a royal representative for the Eastern kingdom. Most likely they would have travelled with a full calvary.

The Magi knew that the Jews were against the Roman occupation and against Herod. The Jews would most likely side with the Eastern occupation if the king of Jews were to join them. The Magi were hoping that the Messiah, the savior, the king of the Jews, would bring power and independence from Rome.

The Magi in Jerusalem

When the Magi reached Jerusalem and asked Herod where the king of the Jews was born. It was a great surprise to the Jews since they did not know that the Messiah was even born yet. Herod was fearful because he is old, not well-liked, and his army was out of the country on a mission. The Roman empire was weakening since Caesar Augustus was dying and there was no strong heir. The time was ripe to bring war against Rome.

A king of the Jews would threaten everything that Herod’s power and that was when he started to devise a plan against this newly born king. It is interesting to note that one of the first people to recognize the arrival of the Messiah, the king of the Jews were Gentile kingmakers, the Wise Men, the Magi.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon February 1978

Origin of Christmas: Anna at the Temple

After meeting with Simeon, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus came across Anna. She was an elderly prophetess and a teacher at the temple who testified to the identity of Jesus as the Messiah.

And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. – Luke 2:36-38

Who was Anna?

Anna was a devout elderly woman who served diligently in the temple. She was of the tribe of Asher which was one of the 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom that was eventually destroyed. Some of the tribe traveled to the Southern Kingdom as recorded in 2 Chronicles 30:6-10. So Anna was of tribe of Asher and was a remnant of those faithful to God.

What was her testimony?

When Simeon was speaking to Mary and Joseph, Anna was there soon after. She must have heard what Simeon said and believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Anna quickly gave thanks to God and spread the message to anyone who was looking for the Messiah.

Anna was a righteous woman, whose life devoted to the temple and to God gave weight to her message. She knew that Jesus was the Messiah and spread the news to anyone she could. Since Jesus’ birth, three sets of people have given testimony to who Jesus is and what his role will be in the future as the long awaited Messiah.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon October 1999

Origin of Christmas: Simeon at the Temple

40 days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to fulfill the Law. It was there that Simeon met with them and gave testimony as to who Jesus will be.

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. An he came into the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel.” And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed – and a sword will pierce even your own soul – to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” – Luke 2:25-35

Who is Simeon?

Simeon was a righteous man whose name means “God has heard.” Being filled with the Holy Spirit, he knew that he would not die until he has seen the Messiah and he would be waiting for the Messiah. He was probably an old man when he met the couple and Jesus. When he did find them, he blessed God and blessed them.

The First Blessing

Simeon is part of the remnant of Israel who realizes that salvation will be not only for the Jews but the Gentiles. Despite the hostility between the Jews and Gentiles throughout history, Simeon thought differently. The “light of revelation” references Isaiah 9:1-2, Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 51:4, Isaiah 52:10, and Isaiah 60:1-3. The nation of Israel will be a light for other nations because of their faith in God and the Messiah.

He knows that the Messiah will be God’s salvation for His people. The Messiah will bestow national glory, provide spiritual salvation, and establish an eternal kingdom in the future. Simeon is lucky to have met the child and shares his knowledge about who Jesus will become as the Messiah.

The Second Blessing

Simeon then blesses Mary and Joseph for having God’s favor. He then speaks to Mary, as she will be a witness to most of the events in Jesus’ future ministry. After the story when Jesus is 12 years old in the temple, Joseph is no longer mentioned and he may have died before Jesus’ ministry.

The second blessing is not quite a blessing as much as a foretelling of what lies ahead. The Jews believe that they will all accept the Messiah when he comes for he will be great. But that will not be. Jesus, the Messiah, will cause a great separation and many in Israel will either rise or fall because of Him. Jesus will be the stumbling block or the turning point for them, as mentioned in Isaiah 8:14-15. Not only will people be divided but they will also be opposed to each other, with Jesus at its source. Those who oppose Jesus will also hate him and cause great suffering.

Then there will be affliction or pain, not only for those who would follow Jesus, but personally for Mary. She will be rejected, pushed aside, and distanced from Jesus even though she is His mother. At the cross, she will see him pierced, an almost literal understanding of this message. When Jesus is revealed as the Messiah, He also reveals the hearts of many people. Jesus will uncover the truth of men’s hearts and their sinfulness will show through. Because of that exposure, people will oppose and hate Jesus.

Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit not only blesses the arrival of the Messiah but also gives a word of caution to Mary about Jesus’ future ministry and the obstacles that will come.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon October 1999 Part 1, 2

Origin of Christmas: Jesus Presented at the Temple

After eight days after Jesus’ birth, similar to John the Baptist, he was circumcised and presented to the temple in Jerusalem. His parents followed Jewish Law at the time regarding the firstborn son so that Jesus would fulfill the Law’s requirements at birth.

And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were complied, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opened the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” – Luke 2:21-24

About the Circumcision

Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day, according to tradition. The covenant of circumcision was required for health reasons, for national identification, and as a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Additionally, it was on the same day that he is given his official name, Jesus which is what the angel told both Mary and Joseph to do.

About Purification

40 days after Jesus’ birth, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. After a mother has given birth to a male child, she is considered ceremonially unclean for 7 days, then after the circumcision, she is unclean for 33 days as dictated in Leviticus 12. During that period, she is not allowed in the temple but afterwards, she is to make a a burnt and sin offering to God for atonement and to be made clean again.

She did just that, offering a pair of turtledoves or pigeons. It is interesting to note that in Leviticus 12, it requires a lamb and a bird for the offering. But if one could not afford a lamb, then two birds would suffice. Therefore, Mary and Joseph were not particularly wealthy, but probably middle class, when they were at the temple.

About the Firstborn

In Jewish culture, the Levites were set apart from the rest of the Jewish nation to be priests. The firstborn of every family was considered to be consecrated to God, but instead of having them as priests, the family was to provide a redeeming price for the child. Five shekels of silver would be paid to the temple and the priests as representatives of the firstborn children according to Numbers 18:15-16. The Levites would take the place of the firstborn children as being consecrated to God. Jesus, as the firstborn, was given to God and his parents paid the five shekels to the temple while they were in Jerusalem.

From Jesus’ birth up to his eighth day of life, his parents have done everything according to Jewish tradition to give him to God and to make him blameless in the sight of the Jewish Law.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon September 26, 1999

Origin of Christmas: Shepherds and Angels

After Jesus was born, the first people to respond were angels and shepherds.

An angel appeared to some shepherds nearby and gave them good news. The news was that a Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born in the city of David. The angel gave a sign for the shepherds, the child will be wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger. Then, a multitude of angels appeared and gave praise to God.

This is the third angelic appearance in the book of Luke. The message that the angel delivers is in a similar format to the previous two given to Zacharias and Mary.

• First, there is a calming request to not be afraid
• Then, there is a blessing bestowed on the individual
• Afterwards, the message is delivered
• Finally, there is a sign to confirm the message

In response to the message, the shepherds went to confirm the sign and praise God, which is similar to what Zacharias and Mary did.

Why shepherds?

In Jewish culture, shepherding was considered a common and lowly profession, often given to children and unskilled laborers because it was not a difficult task. Although a necessary occupation, it was not considered a highly valued position.

As time passed, the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders believed shepherds were unclean because they could not fulfill all the Sabbath duties and other necessary tasks to keep themselves clean. The role of the shepherd required them to travel out of town to various places and sometimes, they had to work on the Sabbath which made them unclean.

God allowed the shepherds to be the first ones to hear of the Messiah’s birth. The message comes to the most lowly of people in one of the lowly professions to spread the good news. It is interesting to note that David was once a shepherd and he became king. So it might not have been coincidence that shepherds are the first ones to hear of the arrival of the Messiah, King of the Jews.

What was the shepherds response?

After the angels left the field where the shepherds were, the shepherds immediately wanted to find the baby, the Christ. They went into Bethlehem, the city of David, and sought to find any baby in the town. It might have been a difficult challenge since the city was filled with people coming to register for the census. But to narrow down the babies, they had to find one lying in a manger.

Given the unusual circumstances for Jesus’ birth, the manger might have been the sole detail that set him apart from all the other babies in town. When the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, they relayed how they came to learn of Jesus’ birth. They spread the message to those nearby and after they spent some time with the young family, they went back to their post and praised God.

With the birth of Jesus, the correct “Christmas” response is to glorify God, which is exactly what the shepherds, the first eyewitnesses to Jesus’ birth, did.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon June – July 1999 Part 1, 2, 3, 4

Origin of Christmas: Birth of Jesus

Luke provides the historical context for Jesus’ birth during the Roman occupation of Israel. The birth of Jesus was already briefly covered in Matthew (Part 1, 2) but Luke goes in to more detail.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. – Luke 2:1-7

What about the Romans?

When the Romans conquered the Grecians, they also took over Israel. Israel was allowed to govern itself with Herod as their king. It was about 31 BC when Gaius Octavius, Octavian, also known as Caesar Augustus, became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire, establishing a period of peace until 14 AD. Caesar Augustus was the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar.

It was at this time that the first census was established and was repeated every 14 years for the purpose of military service and taxation. The Jews were exempt from military service but not taxation. The census was established in 8 BC but the Jews did not complete the census until about 6-4 BC and they were given a strict deadline. The Romans did not care which city the Jews registered for the census. It was the Jews, wanting to maintain accurate ancestral lineage, requested all the people to return to their hometown, their tribal city. Therefore, there was a limited window of time for the Jews to travel to their hometown and complete the census.

Why Bethlehem?

Mary and Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth, about 90 miles away from Bethlehem. Due to the census, Mary and Joseph had to return to Bethlehem since they were of the house and line of David. They had to travel while Mary was in her ninth month of pregnancy and it was in Bethlehem that Jesus was born. With the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, he fulfills the prophecy in Micah 5:2 which states that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.

No room in the inn?

Due to the census, everyone was heading toward their hometown. Bethlehem was a small town and with the influx of all the people, all the places to stay were full. Joseph and Mary did not have a place to stay except for a barn or a place for animals. It was there that Mary gave birth to Jesus and placed him in a manger, a feeder trough. The story of Jesus’ birth is a simple one, a unexceptional one, and one that started with very humble beginnings.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon June 1999 Part 1, 2

Origin of Christmas: Zacharias’ Prophecy Part 3

Zacharias has one last covenant to feature in his song of praise.

It is the new covenant, the one that links the Old Testament to the New Testament. While the Davidic covenant emphasizes a universal salvation in which the world will become perfect and eternal according to God’s promises, the Abrahamic covenant stresses the national deliverance of Israel from enemies and establishing the nation as a blessing for other nations. The New Covenant is markedly different for its promise of personal salvation.

The new covenant emphasizes the forgiveness of sins, a personal repentance that leads to salvation. God will regenerate the believer’s heart so that the believer will be made holy. This is the new covenant which John the Baptist prepares and Jesus fulfills.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. – Luke 1:76-79

Who will John the Baptist be?

The newborn John will be a great man according to the angel’s message and according to Old Testament prophecy. In Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1, and Malachi 4:5-6, it mentions that there will be a prophet calling the people of Israel to repent from the wilderness. A messenger to clear the way before the Messiah. He will restore the people to their God and turn them back to God. As the forerunner to the Messiah, John the Baptist will call Israel to repent and turn back to God. Zacharias acknowledges that his son will have a great mission and he will prepare the way for the Messiah.

What is the message of John the Baptist?

The message of John the Baptist is to repent.

The people of Israel must acknowledge that they need to be saved from their sins and nothing they can do can save themselves. It is by God’s grace and mercy that they can gain salvation. The Mosaic Law, the 10 Commandments, only seeks to condemn Israel because they cannot meet God’s standard of perfection. Animal sacrifices were not enough to cover their sins permanently, it was only a temporary solution. Therefore, there needs to be a final and perfect sacrifice for humanity, and that sacrifice is the Messiah.

John the Baptist will preach the gospel message, the message of the new covenant.

Was the New Covenant referenced in the Old Testament?

The new covenant is not different from what is written in the Old Testament. It specifies a time when the law of God will be written on man’s hearts. God will forgive their sins. God’s saving grace will cover His people with righteousness. They will be God’s people.

• Jeremiah 31:31-37
• Ezekiel 36: 22-38
• Isaiah 59:15-21 , Isaiah 60-62

The Sunrise from on High is a reference to God and Jesus as described in Psalm 107:10-16, Isaiah 9, 1 John 1:5, and Revelation 22:16. The new covenant made to Israel is fulfilled by the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah comes to provide personal salvation by the forgiveness of sins. When the nation of Israel recognizes the Messiah and repents, then the nation will enjoy the blessings described in the Abrahamic Covenant. And when all things have come to pass, the eternal kingdom will come and the Davidic Covenant will be fulfilled.

Zacharias’ song of praise recognizes the big picture of God’s message for humanity. He realizes how God will save His people with the coming of the Messiah. His child, John, is the forerunner to the Messiah and by these two miraculous births, the whole of history will be changed.

Original Source: John MacArthur Grace to You Sermon May-June 1999 Part 1, 2, 3 / March 2012 Part 1, 2