February 13

PART II.

BAPTISM OF JESUS.

JOHN'S objection to baptize Jesus, being overruled, we now see them descending into the waters of Jordan, and there the Redeemer is baptized. Jordan had often been distinguished in old testament history, once it had been divided by Joshua that the hosts of Israel might pass through to the land of promise. Now Jesus honours it by being buried beneath its streams, as an emblem of that death which he should suffer, that the believing hosts of the Lord, might have a free and glorious passage to the realms of the celestial Canaan. After he was baptized, he cometh up straightway out of the water, when lo, the most astonishing and wonderful phenomena distinguish the event. I.—The heavens were opened. The aerial heavens were divided asunder, and most probably the highest heaven, and the throne of the eternal became visible. In this case, the scene would resemble that which the dying Stephen beheld. (Acts 7:55.)

And this manifestation of glory, indicated the arrival of that dispensation, which was emphatically designated the kingdom of heaven. II.—A voice was heard from the excellent glory, proclaiming Jesus, the beloved of the Father. Here Christ's sonship is attested by the Father. Here the Father's attachment and delight in Jesus, is proclaimed before both worlds. Heaven heard it, and the celestial hosts paid him the highest homage. Men heard it, and on the belief or rejection of the divine record, rested all their happiness, or all their woe. Doubtless devils heard, and it was portentous of their overthrow and ruin. In Jesus was the Father well pleased. Well pleased in the constitution of his person; well pleased in the holiness of his nature; well pleased in the voluntariness of his engagements; and well pleased in his obedience to the ordinance of baptism; and in the commencement of that glorious career of activity and benevolence, by which in connexion with his death, the redemption of the world was to be accomplished. And God is well pleased with all who imitate the example and obey the commandments of the Son of God. In this way only, shall heaven be opened to receive us, and in the final day, the approbation of God secured.