Matthew 3:17

Voice from heaven.

Three times God speaks from heaven in connection with the ministry of Christ-at his baptism, his transfiguration, and in the temple just before his passion.

Thou art my beloved Son.

The very words addressed to the Messiah in Psalms 2:7, and from which the Son of God became one of his standing appellations. Thus the baptism of Christ, besides the other purposes already mentioned, was the occasion of his public recognition and authoritative attestation as the Son of God and as the true Messiah, before he entered on the actual discharge of his official functions.--- J. A. Alexander. No student should fail to observe the significance of the time chosen by God for the acknowledgment of the Son. It is just after he has humbled himself in an act of obedience, in baptism, that the Holy Spirit anoints him as the Christ, and God formally acknowledges him as his Son. No more forcible expression of the estimate set by God on this institution could be given. Do not this example and the New Testament harmonize in teaching--1. That we must be baptized if we would follow Christ; 2. That it is when we repent and are baptized that we receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38); 3. That when we have obeyed the Lord he will recognize us as his children?

PRACTICAL AND SUGGESTIVE.

If the sinless Jesus required baptism, no one can consistently claim that he is too pure or too spiritual to need it. Such claims are born of spiritual pride.

It was as. dove that the Spirit descended on him--a most captivating symbolism. All along the ages it is the power of his gentleness and tenderness and meekness--his love, in short--that has been victorious. He has "wooed" and won.-- Morison.

The disciples of Christ are to be as harmless as doves. They will be if filled with the Spirit. The Spirit will not descend into. temple where evil and wrath are nourished.

Kings and prophets of Israel were anointed with oil before entering upon their office. Kings are still inaugurated by being thus anointed. Christ was anointed to be. Priest and. King, but anointed by the Holy Spirit. He was thus Christed. As David and Saul were anointed before they ascended the throne, so was Christ.

There is. real distinction between the indwelling of the Spirit in the heart, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit is that special influence upon men which was sent on the day of Pentecost, and in every true revival of religion since--a pervading Influence,. power from God, which moves the hearts of men, convincing them of sin, of righteousness, and of. judgment to come. It is not easy to describe it, but no one who has felt it can mistake it. It is this power which Christ sends, and by which the world is to be converted to God.-- Peloubet.

PLACE OF BAPTISM.--Probably at the ford near Jericho where John had been baptizing. Here the Israelites under Joshua passed over on dry ground (Joshua 3:17), and twice afterwards was it miraculously opened by Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:8; 2 Kings 2:14). From John 1:28, it would seem that John was at Bethany (Bethabara of the common version), situated at this ford, on the eastern side of the river.-- Bible Union Notes.

POINTS FOR TEACHERS.

1. Outline what is narrated of Christ to this time. 2. Observe from whence and to where he comes. 3. Emphasize what he comes for, and why, and the difference between his baptism and that of the multitude. 4. Bring out the incidents of the baptism. 5. Point out the significance of the descent of the Holy Spirit. 6. Point out the significance of the divine voice. 7. Point out the reasons for the presence of all three persons of the Godhead. 8. Point out the full importance of this era in Christ's life; baptized, his work inaugurated, anointed, acknowledged. 9. Bring out the practical lessons for us.