WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.000 The reading today is from Matthew chapter 3, verses 13 through 17. 00:00:15.500 --> 00:00:20.000 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. 00:00:20.699 --> 00:00:25.519 John would have prevented him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? 00:00:25.519 --> 00:00:31.379 But Jesus answered him, Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. 00:00:32.179 --> 00:00:33.079 Then he consented. 00:00:33.799 --> 00:00:39.379 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him. 00:00:39.700 --> 00:00:43.420 And he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:49.679 And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. 00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:03.780 Will you pray as we come to God's Word? 00:01:04.100 --> 00:01:04.799 Let's pray. 00:01:09.939 --> 00:01:18.400 Father, I ask that you would make much of Jesus through your Word to us today, that we would see him more clearly. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:25.859 Lord, help us to understand the character of your Son better. 00:01:26.440 --> 00:01:29.380 Help us to love his character more. 00:01:30.219 --> 00:01:33.880 Help us to understand why he came more clearly. 00:01:35.040 --> 00:01:42.200 And Lord, press that into our lives so that we might believe it, and that we might represent him if we belong to him. 00:01:42.820 --> 00:01:47.020 Please shape us to be like him more because of our time together this morning. 00:01:47.019 --> 00:01:49.119 So please speak to us. 00:01:49.640 --> 00:01:54.519 Lord, I know that my words can't change myself even, let alone anyone else. 00:01:54.599 --> 00:01:56.019 We need your Word to change us. 00:01:56.599 --> 00:01:57.579 So please be with us. 00:01:57.819 --> 00:01:58.539 In Jesus' name. 00:01:58.859 --> 00:01:59.119 Amen. 00:02:02.399 --> 00:02:05.379 Now, I don't want to go into politics, okay, at all. 00:02:05.979 --> 00:02:12.740 But do you remember President Trump's first, or one of his first acts when he went into office? 00:02:12.740 --> 00:02:19.000 It was a bit of a, for some at least, it was a bit of a scary week, what's going to happen. 00:02:19.600 --> 00:02:25.740 Do you remember the presidential order he gave, like just blocking out heaps of nations from coming into the U.S.? 00:02:26.920 --> 00:02:30.740 Now, I don't want to go into politics at all, but... 00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:33.320 You don't believe me, obviously. 00:02:33.980 --> 00:02:37.360 But it sent a message, didn't it? 00:02:37.360 --> 00:02:42.080 He sent a very strong message, what his rule is going to be about. 00:02:42.900 --> 00:02:46.260 Like he didn't go through the normal channels of making decisions. 00:02:46.820 --> 00:02:48.580 He made the decision. 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:52.680 It wasn't going to be stuffing around. 00:02:53.260 --> 00:02:54.780 His rule is going to be one of action. 00:02:55.960 --> 00:02:58.000 It just sent a very strong message early on. 00:03:00.340 --> 00:03:01.540 What about God's king? 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:02.820 What's his first act? 00:03:03.540 --> 00:03:05.320 What is his rule going to be about? 00:03:05.319 --> 00:03:06.739 What message does he send? 00:03:08.560 --> 00:03:09.919 This is the king of the world. 00:03:10.039 --> 00:03:12.359 What message is he going to send with his first act? 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:15.139 What will his rule be like? 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:21.879 In Matthew 3 today, we see the simple act of Jesus being baptized. 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:25.579 We might be tempted to skip over this. 00:03:26.180 --> 00:03:30.359 Maybe yawn and just keep on reading and get to the exciting stuff. 00:03:30.360 --> 00:03:37.480 But this act, if we focus on it for a moment, we see what Jesus' rule is going to be about. 00:03:37.580 --> 00:03:41.220 We see the framework for who he is and what he's come to do. 00:03:42.180 --> 00:03:45.080 So let's take our time and soak it in this morning. 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:53.220 Jesus' baptism is like a prime minister being sworn into office. 00:03:54.460 --> 00:04:02.140 It's like a prophet of God being called to start speaking on God's behalf. 00:04:03.140 --> 00:04:04.780 This is Jesus' commissioning. 00:04:04.920 --> 00:04:07.560 This is his mission being launched. 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:14.620 The one to bring in the kingdom of God is being sworn into office. 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:17.220 And there's two parts to this episode. 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:24.060 We've got verses 13 to 15 where John the Baptist tries to stop Jesus from humiliating himself. 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:33.959 And then you've got verses 16 and 17 where God the Father gives his total support and power to Jesus to bring in his kingdom. 00:04:34.680 --> 00:04:35.939 So there's the two parts. 00:04:36.060 --> 00:04:37.720 Let's go through it and see what we find. 00:04:41.420 --> 00:04:44.800 Well, in Matthew's Gospel, the anticipation has been building. 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:54.280 Matthew has clearly demonstrated that this human being named Jesus from Nazareth, a pretty despised place, 00:04:55.660 --> 00:04:57.780 he is a descendant of King David. 00:04:58.480 --> 00:05:01.180 He was born in Bethlehem, as God say you would be. 00:05:02.420 --> 00:05:10.300 He is God's Messiah, with King Herod raging and plotting in vain against the Lord's anointed one, like in Psalm 2. 00:05:10.300 --> 00:05:15.300 Matthew has clearly shown us this is God's King. 00:05:16.240 --> 00:05:23.080 And then last week we saw that the final prophet, the second Elijah figure, the strange figure, has arrived. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:26.199 And he's declaring God's kingdom of heaven has arrived. 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:26.840 This is it. 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:28.340 It's started. 00:05:29.660 --> 00:05:37.199 We need the Holy Spirit to give us that internal change, to start living in God's ways, in God's kingdom. 00:05:37.740 --> 00:05:38.360 This is it. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:39.220 It's arrived. 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:45.780 And those who don't want God's kingdom will find that there's severe consequences to that. 00:05:48.680 --> 00:05:54.020 So what will the king's inaugural act be? 00:05:55.400 --> 00:05:56.980 What is it shaped by? 00:05:57.180 --> 00:05:58.040 What does that represent? 00:05:58.360 --> 00:05:59.940 And we already know it's his baptism. 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:03.300 That's strange. 00:06:03.960 --> 00:06:05.500 It's not what I expect. 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:07.460 I don't think it's what John expected. 00:06:07.459 --> 00:06:14.799 Like most kings, when they come into power, their first act is to kill other threats to their throne. 00:06:15.979 --> 00:06:20.859 They come in with a really strong show of power to solidify their rule. 00:06:20.860 --> 00:06:24.259 And that's kind of the language of Psalm 2. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:35.939 We've got, in Psalm 2, God's anointed with an iron scepter, smashing the nations like pottery. 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:38.639 That's a scary image. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:42.740 That's what I'm expecting, isn't it? 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:43.779 Isn't that what? 00:06:44.360 --> 00:06:46.719 Jesus is going to just solidify his rule. 00:06:47.019 --> 00:06:48.600 He's going to come out with an iron scepter. 00:06:50.120 --> 00:06:52.699 Or we've got John's message ringing in our ears. 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.600 That the axe is ready at the base of the tree. 00:06:56.600 --> 00:06:58.459 He's got the winnowing fork in his hand. 00:06:58.959 --> 00:06:59.879 Fire is coming. 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:06.600 Is he going to call down fire from heaven like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah? 00:07:06.779 --> 00:07:07.519 What's he going to do? 00:07:08.159 --> 00:07:12.579 What show of power is he going to give to bring in his rule? 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:19.680 But so different from the world's ways of exerting power and position, 00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:23.699 Jesus comes to John to be baptized. 00:07:26.579 --> 00:07:33.439 Like the crowds who confess their sins came to John submitting to his message, 00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:42.199 Jesus comes to John and says he needs to be baptized by him. 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:48.740 Now this is the mighty one who's going to come bringing the Holy Spirit to baptize 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:52.340 and he's receiving John's water baptism, which is just, 00:07:53.379 --> 00:07:54.819 that's just preparing for the real thing. 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:56.340 What is going on here? 00:07:59.220 --> 00:08:01.220 I need to be baptized by you. 00:08:01.960 --> 00:08:03.079 And do you come to me? 00:08:03.620 --> 00:08:04.220 Says John. 00:08:06.560 --> 00:08:07.740 He's trying to stop him. 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:09.699 You're the mighty one. 00:08:09.780 --> 00:08:10.420 Don't do this. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:13.879 This isn't what your rule's about. 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:21.819 To come under John's baptism was for a person to admit that by virtue of their sin, 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:23.920 they do not belong to God's people. 00:08:25.139 --> 00:08:31.159 They need to be cleansed and to be brought into relationship with God. 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:37.700 Why would the king step off his throne and get on bended knee, 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:40.600 admitting that he's been disloyal to the king? 00:08:40.600 --> 00:08:51.300 Why would the judge come off the bench and act like the criminal or like the guilty? 00:08:53.540 --> 00:08:56.700 Why would the mighty one be so humiliated? 00:08:57.600 --> 00:08:59.120 Why would he choose to do that? 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:05.740 Well, Jesus gives us the answer, gives John the answer in verse 15. 00:09:05.899 --> 00:09:06.600 He says why. 00:09:06.600 --> 00:09:06.700 Why? 00:09:09.420 --> 00:09:10.899 Let it be so now. 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:16.680 Notice he doesn't say, I too need to repent, John. 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:17.500 No one's perfect. 00:09:18.639 --> 00:09:19.680 He doesn't say that. 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:22.500 He doesn't say, you've got too high a view of me, John. 00:09:22.620 --> 00:09:23.899 I'm just another human being. 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:26.840 There's no false humility here. 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:29.080 He's saying, let it be so now. 00:09:29.259 --> 00:09:31.540 He agrees with John's estimation of him. 00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:32.680 Yes, I am the mighty one. 00:09:32.960 --> 00:09:34.040 Yes, I don't need to repent. 00:09:34.039 --> 00:09:37.579 But let it be so for the time being. 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:38.740 This is necessary. 00:09:40.339 --> 00:09:43.299 It's right for me to take a lower place. 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:48.279 To fulfill all righteousness. 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:50.379 Now, that's a strange phrase, isn't it? 00:09:53.019 --> 00:09:54.539 It's meant to make things clearer. 00:09:55.099 --> 00:09:56.620 To fulfill all righteousness. 00:09:56.620 --> 00:10:08.460 I think what's going on here in this phrase is the words fulfill and righteousness are really key themes in Matthew's gospel. 00:10:09.960 --> 00:10:20.740 To remember fulfill, like we looked at in our very first week in Matthew, is not merely just answering those specific Old Testament predictions like the Messiah being born in Bethlehem. 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:21.700 That's very specific. 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:22.980 It's not just that. 00:10:23.379 --> 00:10:29.580 It's fulfilled as in the whole Old Testament being the answer to the whole message of God. 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:40.780 And righteousness for Matthew is about being in close relationship with God, living in the ways God wants you to live. 00:10:40.779 --> 00:10:49.000 So, John had the right picture of Jesus. 00:10:49.199 --> 00:10:51.600 The power and the authority of the Messiah. 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:55.459 That this is the Lord himself walking into the building. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:57.959 That this is the judge of all the earth. 00:10:58.120 --> 00:11:02.339 John understood who Jesus was in that sense. 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:08.240 But has he understood the full picture of Jesus and what he's come to do? 00:11:09.080 --> 00:11:09.879 Obviously not. 00:11:10.280 --> 00:11:11.820 Otherwise, he wouldn't be trying to prevent him. 00:11:12.920 --> 00:11:14.420 He doesn't quite understand yet. 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:21.480 For now, let's put Jesus' answer like this. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:23.820 I think he's saying this. 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:37.200 John, to lower myself and identify with sinners is what I choose to do to obey the mission God has given me to do. 00:11:40.800 --> 00:11:42.600 Yes, I am that mighty figure. 00:11:43.460 --> 00:11:49.320 But I'm going to fulfill God's promises by lowering myself, choosing to lower myself in obedience to God. 00:11:49.920 --> 00:11:51.000 Identifying with sinners. 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:58.419 So, picture Jesus. 00:11:58.899 --> 00:11:59.519 Picture him. 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:02.720 Being lowered by John into the water. 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:06.460 That's the nature of Jesus' ministry. 00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:07.740 That's what he's come to do. 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.399 Being lowered into the water. 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:20.080 If someone was watching from a distance, they would just assume that's another man, a sinful man, repenting of his sin. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:27.019 That's his rule. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:35.960 Not a show of power by signing a presidential order. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:42.620 Not a warrior who kills anyone who threatens his throne. 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:48.759 Not a king who remains above his people. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:55.379 But coming and fully identifying with his people. 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:58.379 With his sinful people. 00:12:59.179 --> 00:13:00.080 God in the flesh. 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:01.700 Humbling himself. 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:04.840 Identifying with sinners like me. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:07.500 What do you think of this? 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:08.220 What do you think of this? 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:08.560 What do you think of this picture? 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:11.080 What do you think of his first act? 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:23.100 If you think you're important enough for Jesus to associate with you, you need to remember who this is. 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:27.980 This is the man who would decide your eternal fate. 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:32.480 An eternity with him in heaven. 00:13:32.980 --> 00:13:35.220 Or apart from him in hell. 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:42.220 If you think you deserve for him to identify with you, remember who this is. 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:49.940 But if you think God can't ever forgive you. 00:13:51.180 --> 00:13:53.560 He couldn't possibly love you. 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:57.019 You're just too ashamed. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:14:04.679 Could Jesus have done anything more to show you that he is with you in your sin? 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:10.500 I don't think there's a bigger picture that he could show you. 00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:13.500 That he is with you in your sin. 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:26.220 The next scene shows us that God the Father fully backs Jesus' mission. 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:32.379 So in verses 16 and 17, it seems that only Jesus and John witness the divine endorsement. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:34.399 So the pronouns are singular. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:36.740 This is the same in the other gospels. 00:14:37.419 --> 00:14:41.059 This is an intimate scene between God the Father and God the Son. 00:14:41.579 --> 00:14:45.939 And John is getting to see it and witness it so that we can hear about it as well. 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:54.659 As Jesus came out of the water, immediately, having chosen to lower himself 00:14:54.659 --> 00:14:59.159 and to become like his sinful people, we're told to look. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:14:59.879 Look. 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:00.679 Pay attention. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:01.959 Listen up. 00:15:03.719 --> 00:15:08.459 And what we hear and see is God's total backing of his Son. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:14.819 The heavens were opened like a veil, like a curtain between what we see and what's going on. 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:17.399 The divine rule over the world. 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.720 The curtain is torn open. 00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:19.639 God is here. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:22.019 I think it's a picture of God totally being here. 00:15:23.019 --> 00:15:24.199 He's here in this moment. 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:29.620 It's a picture. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:33.740 It's actually a reminder of Ezekiel when he's called to be a prophet. 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:35.360 It's the same phrase used. 00:15:35.439 --> 00:15:36.419 The heavens were opened. 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.939 God himself is here. 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:40.699 He didn't just send an angel. 00:15:41.559 --> 00:15:42.799 He is here himself. 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:46.259 He is calling Jesus to begin his mission. 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:48.299 He is with him 100%. 00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:51.620 He's not going on his own authority. 00:15:51.979 --> 00:15:53.719 He's not going on the authority of an angel. 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:56.000 He's not going on the authority of a human institution. 00:15:56.359 --> 00:15:58.319 He's going on the authority of God the Father. 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:05.979 Jesus himself could be sure that no matter what opposition he faces, 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:08.000 he's got God the Father behind him. 00:16:08.579 --> 00:16:10.779 And you and I better listen up. 00:16:10.779 --> 00:16:13.399 God the Father says, this is it. 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.120 This is him. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:15.220 I'm behind him. 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:20.079 If we've got an issue and we want to speak to the manager, 00:16:21.419 --> 00:16:22.439 no one higher, sorry. 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:24.939 The Father is behind him. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:25.919 The heavens are opened. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:28.500 He's fully there. 00:16:29.459 --> 00:16:31.699 And the Spirit coming to rest on him like a dove, 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:33.620 it's a bit of a strange picture. 00:16:35.339 --> 00:16:37.199 I'm not sure exactly what it means. 00:16:38.199 --> 00:16:40.100 The commentaries I read weren't sure. 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:46.919 It's not that Jesus is taking on a new spiritual status. 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:50.259 So when he receives a spirit, it's not like us when we become Christians, 00:16:50.959 --> 00:16:53.379 that we become the spiritual children of God, 00:16:53.459 --> 00:16:55.339 that our status changes. 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:56.899 That wasn't the case for Jesus. 00:16:57.899 --> 00:17:00.519 What it is is the Spirit empowering. 00:17:01.339 --> 00:17:04.019 You see it at the creation of the world in Genesis 1, 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:06.259 at the Spirit hovering over the waters. 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.940 Maybe that's what the dove is about, 00:17:08.140 --> 00:17:10.720 the hovering factor of what it looked like. 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:12.480 Maybe it's meant to remind us of Genesis, 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:15.279 where God created the world by the power of his Spirit. 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:19.839 In other words, God is giving all the power to Jesus 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:20.940 to fulfill his mission. 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:23.940 He's got the authority of God behind him, 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:25.480 and he's got the power of God with him. 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:31.660 This picture loudly says to us, 00:17:31.779 --> 00:17:34.880 Jesus' mission has God behind it. 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:39.519 Remember, that mission is characterized by him lowering himself. 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:41.460 God is behind it. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:43.940 And then comes the audio to explain the visual. 00:17:45.100 --> 00:17:46.539 The voice from heaven says, 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:50.920 This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. 00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:57.740 It's a combination of Psalm 2, verse 7, and Isaiah 42, verse 1. 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:07.660 This is my beloved Son, my only Son, with whom I am well pleased. 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:12.820 So that first half, this is my beloved Son. 00:18:13.160 --> 00:18:14.279 So that comes from Psalm 2. 00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:17.380 We've already thought about Psalm 2 a bit. 00:18:17.880 --> 00:18:21.680 Psalm 2 is that exalted king figure with the iron scepter. 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:23.900 Let me read some of the psalm to you. 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:28.620 This is God speaking to his king. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:31.279 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:33.279 the ends of the earth your possession. 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:36.120 You will break them with a rod of iron. 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:38.239 You will dash them to pieces like pottery. 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:41.679 Therefore, you kings, be wise. 00:18:41.819 --> 00:18:44.319 Be warned, you rulers of the earth. 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:45.739 Serve the Lord with fear. 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:49.539 And celebrate his rule with trembling. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:51.579 Kiss his son. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.239 Submit to him. 00:18:54.439 --> 00:18:55.419 Or he will be angry. 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:58.679 And your way will lead to your destruction. 00:18:59.259 --> 00:19:01.219 For his wrath can flare up in a moment. 00:19:02.979 --> 00:19:06.039 Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 00:19:06.119 --> 00:19:09.639 It's a formidable picture. 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.379 This is him. 00:19:15.419 --> 00:19:17.579 This is the one we are to take refuge in. 00:19:18.579 --> 00:19:20.559 This is the one with the iron scepter. 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:23.819 It's a serious matter to resist him. 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:30.919 This is the picture of God's mighty king that John has been preaching about. 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:37.419 But to combine it with the picture of Isaiah 42 is not what John expected. 00:19:39.159 --> 00:19:41.059 I don't think it's what we expect either. 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:45.119 Here's Isaiah 42. 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:52.219 Here is my servant. 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:53.059 He will put my spirit on him. 00:19:53.059 --> 00:20:01.759 He will put my spirit on him. 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:04.079 And he will bring justice to the nations. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:08.039 He will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets. 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:10.660 A bruised reed he will not break. 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:14.319 Or a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:17.899 This is a gentle, humble figure. 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:21.259 He won't cry out in the streets. 00:20:21.599 --> 00:20:24.879 This isn't just him not being loud and obnoxious. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:28.159 This is a picture of him when he suffers in the streets. 00:20:28.939 --> 00:20:33.179 He won't cry out for God to bring justice now. 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:36.899 He will trust him and continue on in his mission. 00:20:38.679 --> 00:20:39.659 He's a strong figure. 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:41.960 It's a quiet confidence in God. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:47.440 And he's able to help those who are suffering, this servant figure. 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:54.539 So picture a candle with a wick, you know, in the wind where it's just almost blown out. 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:56.519 It's just about to be extinguished. 00:20:57.720 --> 00:21:02.940 That picture of a weak person who's in their faith, who's struggling to trust God. 00:21:03.860 --> 00:21:06.420 This person won't snuff it out. 00:21:06.600 --> 00:21:08.579 Won't just go, oh, that's pathetic. 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.400 Blow it out. 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:13.420 A reed that's already been broken. 00:21:13.540 --> 00:21:16.300 He won't just go, oh, I'm going to snap it off then. 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.080 He doesn't do that. 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:22.660 He cares for the wick so that his light burns again. 00:21:23.800 --> 00:21:25.280 He strengthens the reed. 00:21:26.080 --> 00:21:30.320 This is a gentle servant figure who obeys the Father. 00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:35.179 I think it's a picture of someone who struggles to fight off sin. 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:37.399 Someone who doubts Jesus. 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:42.599 Someone who is tempted to giving in when the Christian life is just too hard. 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:46.099 This figure does not go, oh, stuff them. 00:21:47.179 --> 00:21:50.200 This figure serves them and cares for them. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:57.059 And there's more to this picture in Isaiah. 00:21:58.660 --> 00:22:01.340 Here's what God says to his servant figure. 00:22:02.120 --> 00:22:05.980 This is how his mission will be accomplished. 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:14.099 I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the nations. 00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:16.099 To open eyes that are blind. 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:18.460 To free captives from prison. 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:22.299 And to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:27.639 The servant himself will be a covenant for the people. 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:29.399 That's a strange phrase. 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:33.259 It's not that he will make a covenant or enter into a covenant. 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:35.440 He himself will be the covenant. 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:39.839 A covenant is two parties coming together. 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:41.819 He himself will be the covenant. 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:46.139 He's going to be the one who brings God and people together. 00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:48.720 That's where you find that coming together. 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:50.359 It's in him. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.879 It's in the servant himself. 00:22:52.299 --> 00:22:56.779 And the way he does that is opening blind eyes. 00:22:57.279 --> 00:23:00.099 He sets free those who are in prison. 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:02.519 Those sitting in darkness in a dungeon. 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:04.460 He sets them free. 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:09.879 Now blindness, being in prison, darkness. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:15.319 They're all images in Isaiah of worshipping something other than God. 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:19.680 It's living for something other than God. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:28.500 So the classic ones today, I think, are living for money and material things as if that's where life can be found. 00:23:29.900 --> 00:23:31.600 We're blind if we think that. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:35.640 We're sitting in darkness if we're worshipping money. 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:40.500 Or our status, our reputation and career and success. 00:23:40.620 --> 00:23:43.440 Or if life is all about family and romance. 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:45.580 Anything. 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:48.280 We can give ourselves to anything other than God. 00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:52.759 God deserves all our love. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.019 God deserves all our love. 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:55.000 All our worship. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:24:02.819 And the servant's mission is to set us free from that empty life living for ourselves. 00:24:02.819 --> 00:24:10.119 And come into a life where we know the Father's love for us. 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:12.639 With that delight in the Son. 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.919 This is my Son. 00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:17.019 In whom I'm well pleased. 00:24:17.179 --> 00:24:18.859 We can feel that same delight. 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:28.699 So Jesus is the exalted King and he is the humble servant. 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:33.500 It's what his mission is about. 00:24:35.119 --> 00:24:41.359 And if God the Father has given his total backing to Jesus, he's got no reservations. 00:24:42.899 --> 00:24:44.419 He's empowered him. 00:24:44.420 --> 00:24:53.740 This is the only one God can say without any clarification, any nuance. 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:56.420 This person I'm well pleased in. 00:24:58.100 --> 00:24:59.800 He has his total backing. 00:25:03.160 --> 00:25:05.039 Here's what I think it means for us today. 00:25:06.840 --> 00:25:13.019 We can know for sure that Jesus, only Jesus, is God's way for us to be saved from our sin 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:15.440 and live a meaningful life. 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:17.220 It's only in him. 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:25.619 We can know for sure that the only way to escape God's punishment for our sin 00:25:25.619 --> 00:25:29.200 is because Jesus lowered himself. 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:32.879 Identifying with us to represent us. 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.759 He came into the dungeon. 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.619 Taking it upon himself. 00:25:39.619 --> 00:25:47.379 In Mark's gospel, Jesus describes him going to the cross as a baptism. 00:25:48.639 --> 00:25:52.939 Of going down in death in order to be raised up. 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:59.399 The only way we are saved is because Jesus identifies with us and represents us. 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:05.640 I think 2 Corinthians 5.21 says it best. 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:14.820 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:23.080 So that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:28.679 So if you're new to Christianity, 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:35.720 or if you're a believer trapped in the prison of your own sinful patterns, 00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:41.419 if you're searching for a way to feel peace and that clear conscience, 00:26:42.699 --> 00:26:44.159 that changed life, 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:48.399 knowing that you're loved by God himself, 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.919 if you're searching for that, 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:52.900 you need Jesus to represent you. 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:57.920 It's not what you can do to change. 00:26:58.620 --> 00:27:01.539 It's trusting what the king can do on your behalf. 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:04.560 That's what his rule is about. 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:06.400 That's what he's declared in his baptism. 00:27:07.300 --> 00:27:09.560 I'm going to lower myself and serve you. 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:11.360 Identify with your sin fully. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.720 Taking it upon me. 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:18.920 And when we're set free, 00:27:19.880 --> 00:27:24.720 when we are set free to live for God, 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:29.799 we're called to share in this same mission. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.860 At the end of Matthew's gospel, 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.240 we're given a commission. 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:37.279 We're sworn in. 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:40.660 Not to have a separate mission, 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.940 but to continue Jesus' mission. 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:46.019 To bring in all the nations. 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:48.519 To love God through the Son. 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:51.319 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:53.720 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:56.359 We're called to share in Jesus' mission. 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:58.299 But how are we going to carry out that mission? 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.759 What are we representing 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:02.279 when we say we're a Christian in the workplace 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:04.259 and what we say and how we share the gospel? 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:07.960 What is the shape of our mission? 00:28:08.399 --> 00:28:09.579 What do people see in us? 00:28:09.660 --> 00:28:11.980 Do they see Jesus' baptism in us? 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:17.160 Someone lowering themselves to serve. 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:20.319 Someone not protecting their position. 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:24.899 Not threatening, but identifying with sin. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:29.000 So that they might come into the love of God. 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:31.000 What do people see in us? 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:35.420 I think we're meant to have the same attitude as, 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:38.960 or we are meant to have the same attitude as Paul 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:40.099 in 1 Corinthians 9. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:41.819 Although I'm free from all, 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.000 because I'm now in Jesus, 00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:46.779 I have made myself a servant to all, 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:49.899 that I might win more of them. 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:51.839 I have become all things to all people, 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:54.059 that by all means I might save some. 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:58.579 That's a baptism-shaped idea of mission. 00:28:58.579 --> 00:29:04.079 It's not trying to defend yourself in an argument 00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:08.980 with family or at work, demanding justice. 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:14.039 It's not crying out when you're being wronged, 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:16.359 but it's lowering yourself, 00:29:17.139 --> 00:29:19.319 wanting to serve those who's wronged you 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:22.079 to bring them closer to God. 00:29:22.079 --> 00:29:27.059 What about as a church? 00:29:27.199 --> 00:29:29.939 Will we be baptism-shaped as we represent Jesus? 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:35.279 Now this is just a small way, 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:39.120 but I think today we have an opportunity to do that. 00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:42.820 We're excited coming together again, 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:43.779 and so we should be. 00:29:44.380 --> 00:29:47.380 But there's some people who have been in this church for ages. 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:49.759 Their position in the church is established. 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:52.799 They're not worried about when this service ends, 00:29:52.840 --> 00:29:53.740 who they're going to talk to. 00:29:53.840 --> 00:29:54.420 They're looking forward. 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:57.060 I wonder if we're going to give up our position 00:29:57.060 --> 00:29:58.820 to welcome those who are new. 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:00.700 Now that's a small thing we can do, 00:30:01.320 --> 00:30:03.220 but I think it's a gospel-shaped thing. 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:07.259 Like are we going to give up our comfort as a church 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:10.580 and actually try and reach our neighbours, 00:30:11.340 --> 00:30:13.920 those who are smelly, those who are different? 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:19.480 Are we going to protect our position, 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:22.480 or are we going to be baptism-shaped 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:23.960 in representing Jesus 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:27.460 so that they might see Jesus serving them 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:28.440 and come to God? 00:30:31.620 --> 00:30:35.079 Well, that's the nature of our king's rule. 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:39.099 Not overpowering, but serving. 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.339 What a great God we've got. 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:42.180 What a great king. 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:44.920 Will you pray with me as we finish? 00:30:44.920 --> 00:31:01.640 Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing to serve. 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:06.580 Lord, with your position, with who you are, 00:31:07.259 --> 00:31:10.759 with the fact that the Father has made you king 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:12.200 over all nations, Lord, 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:14.779 everyone should be serving you. 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:19.620 And yet you came not to be served, but to serve. 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:25.140 Lord, that is a character that is so different 00:31:25.140 --> 00:31:26.440 from the ways of this world. 00:31:27.140 --> 00:31:28.240 Help us see it. 00:31:28.340 --> 00:31:29.539 Help us love it. 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:31.340 Help us love you for who you are. 00:31:32.180 --> 00:31:35.320 And help us want to serve you gladly, 00:31:36.100 --> 00:31:37.220 to become like you. 00:31:37.400 --> 00:31:40.080 Please change our hearts 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:43.779 so that we would be baptism-shaped 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:45.879 in the way that we live and represent you. 00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:48.480 In Jesus' name I pray. 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.039 Amen. 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:49.119 Amen. 00:31:49.119 --> 00:31:57.639 Heavenly Lord. 00:32:00.139 --> 00:32:00.579 Thank you. 00:32:01.019 --> 00:32:02.179 Amen. 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:02.379 Amen. 00:32:02.379 --> 00:32:02.500 Amen. 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:02.619 Amen. 00:32:06.739 --> 00:32:08.439 Amen. 00:32:18.439 --> 00:32:18.779 Amen.