Advent Study: Incarnation (Session 3) The Baptism of Jesus

 

Incarnation Session Three

Dec 10, 2024

Mark 1:8-12 – The Baptism of Jesus

 




Baptism was practiced in various religious traditions, some more gruesome than others involving a shower of animal blood. Baptism literally means immersed or overwhelmed. The word is used to speak of cleansing, but in Christian circles baptism is a sacramental means of grace.

 

Grace is not simply forgiveness. Some define grace as unmerited favor. God showed us mercy and love through the cross of Jesus, even though we did nothing to deserve it. As Paul wrote,

 

But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)  And further Paul writes,

 

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Rom 5:10)

 

John Wesley taught that grace was the love of God at work in us making us more and more like Christ. Grace is the beckoning, justifying, and sanctifying work of the Spirit. Through grace God beckons us to come into a life-giving relationship through faith in Jesus. Once we put our trust in Christ for salvation, we are justified before God. Our sins are forgiven. As soon as we believe, the Spirit of Jesus (Holy Spirit) begins that transforming work to make our lives more like Christ.

 

Jesus came to John the Baptizer to be baptized in the Jordan. Read Mark 1:8-12

 

·         What do we learn about incarnation in this story? 

·         What does it mean that the heavens were split apart? 

·         How does the description of the Spirit in the form of a dove speak to you? 

·         God called Jesus His beloved son. God was delighted in Jesus. What message might you hope to hear coming from heaven?

 

Incarnation is about a Spirit, different from my own, affecting us and moving us with joy, gratitude and wonder to do as the Spirit leads.

 

·         Jesus was immediately led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, the accuser.  How does it make you feel to think the Spirit of God might lead you into suffering for the sake of the gospel?

 

Other accounts of the baptism have more details than Mark’s. In Matthew, John the Baptizer protests that he shouldn’t baptize Jesus. Instead, Jesus should be baptizing him. But Jesus prevailed by saying it is right for him to undergo baptism to fulfill all righteousness. There’s much conjecture on exactly what Jesus meant by that. Matthew writes to a Jewish Christian audience. They were law-obedient Jews who also embraced Jesus as their messiah.

Righteousness is doing that which the law prescribes. Righteousness come from doing what is right and not doing what is forbidden. Or does it?

 

·         How does one become righteous?

 

Read Romans 3:10, 19-28

 

·         What do we learn about righteousness and how it is gained?

 

John’s gospel provides more detail about Jesus’ baptism. John witnessed the Spirit descend upon Jesus and remain. Read John 1:29-34

 

·         What does it mean that the Spirit remains on Jesus?

·         How might the Spirit remaining relate to Jesus, as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world?

·         How does the baptism of the Holy Spirit happen?

 

Pray to be filled with the Spirit, to be overwhelmed by His presence in your heart.

 

Share how you have experienced the Holy Spirit in your life.

 

You may feel peace, like a dove, perhaps warmth like a fire, or electric tingling sensations. You may receive a message in your heart, listening with spiritual ears. You may experience joy and renewal. Some feel nothing, but live assured that once you have invited Jesus into your life as Lord, you will experience transformation. God is working in you to make you reach your destiny, unity with Christ, becoming like Jesus in every way.

 

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