The Times News

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Baptism and Temptation Of Jesus
Matthew 3:13 to 4:11.
Golden Text—Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren. Hebrews 2:17.
The Ministry of the Baptist (3:1-12) pointed directly to Jesus as the Messiah. It called the people to repentance. It announced the reign of Messiah. It was evident fulfilment of prophecy. It drew the multitudes out of the cities into the open country. It leveled lightnings of woe at the hypocrites of the hour. It heralded the approach of One who would baptize in the Holy Spirit and in fire—the cleansing, conquering, consummating Christ.
The Baptism of Jesus (3:13-17) revealed to John, and thru him to the world, Jesus as the Messiah.
The Temptation (4:1-11) was a test and proof of the Sonship of Jesus as the Father declared at his baptism.
BAPTISM OF JESUS (Matthew 3)
The approval of the father was won by Jesus in his baptism. For no other purpose than to be baptized, he made the long journey afoot from Nazareth in Galilee to that part of the Jordan where John was baptizing (said to be near Jericho). John probably had never seen Jesus before he presented himself for baptism. At once he shrank from baptizing One whom he realized was in no need of baptism unto repentance. Indeed, conscious of his own sinfulness, he felt that he should rather be baptized by his Guileless Companion. But Jesus in calm, authoritative voice which the Baptist dared not disregard called for baptism in order that they both might complete every kind of righteousness required of them. Baptism placed Jesus visibly in the ranks of the true Israel; it made him a shining example for all his followers, who should in their baptism confess him before men: and it was a fitting introduction with its attendant circumstances to his appearance and proclamation as the Messiah.
So the two went out in the stream to a sufficient depth, and there the greatest and most impressive of all baptisms took place. The baptismal act was crowned with divine glory. As Jesus, praying, emerged from the river the rent heavens disclosed a sight and sound visible and audible to Jesus and John, but probably to no others. They saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus in the form and manner of a dove which was among the birds what the lamb was among the beasts. They heard the voice of the Father identifying Jesus as the Son and approving him as the Saviour.
THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS (Matthew 4)
The Conquest of the Devil was accomplished by Jesus in a nearby wilderness whither he went immediately after baptism under impulse of the Spirit. There he was disciplined and prepared for his work by resistance to the enticements of the devil, the slanderer, accuser, and adversary of man. The record assumes the existence of a personal devil and the reality of our Lord's temptation. Like Moses and Elijah, Jesus abstained from food for 40 days and nights. Meanwhile, he was exposed to the wiles of the tempter, who sought to make him doubt he was the Son of God as the heavenly voice had declared. Then came the three great attacks upon his divine Sonship,
(1) The first found him in the clutches of intensest hunger, and subtly appealed to his appetite. As the Son of God, could he not change into bread the loaf-like stones around him? Any man with the power would have yielded. But that would be selfish and distrustful. The sword-thrust of Scripture was therefore effectual; we are sustained less by bread than by the word and will of God.
(2) The second attack found him trusting God serenely and subtly suggested over-confidence. From a wing of the Temple overlooking on one side the dizzy depths of Hinnom gorge and on the other the crowded courts of the sanctuary let him as the Son of God and the special charge of angels (as Scripture declares!) leap, unharmed, assert his claim and win instant fame! But the net so cunningly spread was cloven by the Sword of the Spirit: The needless test of God's fidelity to his promises is expressly forbidden.
(3) The third attack found him expecting to win the world and subtly suggested how he might gain immediate control. Yonder before him was spread the panorama of the nations: why should he struggle for centuries to gain mastery over them? Let him but do homage to Satan the prince of this world and at once take possession. Had Jesus yielded, the world's Saviour would have been only a demon. But he drove Satan from him with another sword-thrust, presenting God as the one object of worship and service. As Satan slunk away the angels came and refreshed him in body and spirit.
FOLLOW JESUS IN BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION
(1) The Subject of Baptism. "Then cometh Jesus." He set the example. All who accept him as Saviour and Lord should follow him through the waters of baptism. And no others should.
(2) The Administrator of Baptism. "Unto John to be baptized of him." John was commanded to baptize. All who administer this ordinance should do so only by divine authority.
(3) The Purpose of Baptism. "To fulfil all righteousness." Not to save, then; but to perform duty. The obedient are baptized. Baptism is declaratory, initiatory, co-operative.
(4) The Act of Baptism. "He was baptized." This solemn and striking ordinance sets forth a triple death, burial and resurrection: first, of the believer's Saviour; then of the believer's spirit; and finally, of the believer's body.
(5) The Blessing of Baptism. "The heavens were opened." The Triune God was present then in glory. No such radiance may attend us, but we are baptized into the Triune Name. "How happy are they who their Saviour obey."
(6) The Agent of Temptation. "To be tempted of the devil." Satan is a person. He is our enemy. He is the tempter enticing into sin. Know that he is back of every temptation.
(7) The Appeal of Temptation. "The tempter came and said." He attacks the weakest point. He brings the greatest allurements. He uses the most adroit means. Mark "the wiles of the devil."
(8) The Aim of Temptation. "Fall down and worship me." The devil wants devotees. He asks for the throne. He calls for sway over our lives. He camouflages. But if we succumb to his subtleties we become his servants.
(9) The Resistance of Temptation. "It is written." Even Jesus fought not in his own strength. He used the Sword of the Spirit. We cannot win without the Word.
(10) The Victory Over Temptation. "The devil leaveth him." He left for a season, but he left. Then came the ministering angels. With Christ we conquer.