Matthew chaps 3-4 (Monday, Jan 5th)
in chapter 3, we read that John the Baptist was a model preacher.
He was a road builder who prepared the way for the Lord, and an axe-man who got to the root of sin and exposed it.
He was not intimidated by people, nor was he afraid to preach about judgment.
He was obedient to his Lord and magnified Him in all things.
Some people heard God's word and confess their sins, while others heard it and covered their sins.
The first group became children of God, but the second group were the children of the devil.
Jesus is the Son of God - the Scriptures, John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit and the Father attested to that truth.
Jesus was not baptised to confess any sins since He was sinless.
His baptism was His presentation to Israel, as well as a picture of His future baptism on the cross, when all the waves and billows of judgment would go over Him.
The baptism of John look forward to the coming of the Messiah.
Christian baptism today looks back to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and witnesses of the believer's identification with Him.
As we open up chapter 4 in the book of Matthew, we will read about the victor.
Public ministry is built on private victory.
Our Lord was not tempted so that God could test Him - the Father had already approved Him.
He was tempted for our sake, that He might personally know temptation and be able to help us when we are tempted.
He overcame the devil by using the same weapons available to us today – the Word of God.
He says very often. 'It is written,' 'the power of the Spirit' and 'prayer'
We will be reading about the Master (JC) having defeated the strong man (satan) and now Jesus invaded his house and began to spoil his goods.
He both obeyed the Word and preached it, calling men to become His disciples.
Everyone must decide whether to follow Christ, or make bargains with the devil.
What is your decision?
We will read about the Healer.
Our Lord's main ministry was teaching and preaching, but His compassion moved Him to minister to the physical needs of the people.
How tragic that most of the people who followed Him wanted His services, but not His salvation, the gifts but not the Giver.
These people are of course with us today, in droves.
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