The Baptism of Jesus Mark 1:9-11

(Compare Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23)

DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS

For what purpose had Jesus come all the way from Nazareth to Jordan? (Matt. 3:13). Why was Jesus baptized? (Matt. 3:15; Ro. 8:3; 2 Cor. 5:21). Why was it that God chose just this occasion to give this wonderful testimony to His Son that is here recorded? (Phil. 2:6-11, and note the force of the word "wherefore" in v. 9). What light does the action of Jesus throw upon the position taken by some that the baptism with the Spirit is the only important thing and it makes very little difference whether or not one is baptized with water?

In what remarkable way did God set the seal of His approval upon this act of Jesus? Did Jesus in any sense get a deeper realization of His Sonship at this time than He had before? For whom else beside Jesus was this descent of the Spirit as a dove a sign? (John 1:33). Was it the work of regeneration that the Spirit wrought when He descended upon Jesus at this time? Was this descent of the Spirit in any wise a preparation for service? (Acts 10:38). Is it a necessary preparation for us? (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Can all have it? (Acts 2:38, 39). What was Jesus doing when the Spirit descended upon Him? (Luke 3:21). Are any other instances recorded when the Spirit descended upon God's children as they prayed? (Acts 2:1-4; 4:31; 8:15, 16; Luke 11:13). Why did the Spirit descend "as a dove"? (Matt. 10:16; Gal. 5:22). What other emblems have we in the Word of the Spirit and His work? (Matt. 3:11; Is. 44:3; John 3:8). How can we receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38; Is. 44:3; Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7:37-39; Acts 5:32; Gal. 3:14; Jas. 1:6, 7). Was this descent of the Spirit upon Jesus a temporary matter? (John 1:33). What Old Testament prophecies were hereby fulfilled? (Is. 11:2; 44:1; 61:1). How is the word "opened" rendered in the Revised Version? For what purpose were the heavens "rent asunder"?

What further testimony from heaven in addition to that of the descending and abiding Spirit did Jesus receive? In what way have we the distinction in the personality of the three persons in the Trinity set forth in verses 10 and 11? What was God's audible testimony to Jesus? In this declaration what did God Himself quote? (Ps. 27; Is. 42:1). Why does God quote Scripture? Did God ever say of any other being, man or angel, what He here says to Jesus? (Heb. 1:5; 3:5, 6). Is Jesus the Son of God in a sense that no other being is the Son of God? (Heb. 1, especially verses 1-6; John 3:16; Mark 12:6, R. V.; John 1:14, 18). If Jesus is the Son of God what should be our attitude toward Him? (John 5:23). What is the one who "denieth the Son"? (1 John 2:22, 23). Is there any one besides Jesus in whom God is "well pleased"? (Heb. 11:5; Ro. 5:1; Acts 13:39; Eph. 1:6). How "well-pleased" is God with those who are in Christ? (John 17:23).

CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS

1. The Triune God

(1). The Father:

Speaks to man, heaven the place from which He speaks, bears witness to His son, the demands of His affections met by His Son in His obedience, 11

(2). The Son:

His nature--divine, 11; human, 9.

His character--humble, took the sinner's place, obedient, 9; altogether lovely, absolutely faultless, 11.

The Father's testimony to Jesus--My Son, My Beloved Son, My Son that meets every demand of My nature--"well pleasing," 11.

(3). The Holy Spirit:

His personality, 10; distinction between Him and the Father and the Son, 10, 11; the Father's gift to the Son, 10.

2. The Bible

Its authority and sufficiency :God Himself quoted it, 11.