Covenantal Transition

Mark 1:4-11 (Pew Bible 707)"And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”"

Introduction

announcement: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Definitions

Jesus – YHWH is Salvation.

Messiah (Christ) – God's agent in fulfilling OT prophecies.

Son of God – a man in unique relationship to God, yet fully divine, depending upon and obeying God the Father.

Meanings

John in the desert represents Israel in the wilderness, a common OT theme.
The first verses of this book reveal a Messianic hope.
John called to Israel to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
“And so John came” – fulfilling the OT (Isaiah) prophecies. He is the final OT prophet, bringing the OT to a conclusion.
This is a turning point in God's dealings with man.
Baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins.
The people were familiar with baptism. It was used to signify the cleansing of Gentile converts to Judaism. John's baptism, however, was designed for the Jews, requiring their repentance in view of the coming of the Messiah. Forgiveness was provided – the removal of guilt for sin. This was an advance on Jesus' sacrificial death. Baptism was the witness that in repentance (a public confession of sin, a change of mind, and a change of direction) forgiveness had taken place.
John humbles himself. Untying sandles was not even expected of a slave.
He describes water baptism as limited and preparatory.
Spirit baptism was limitless.
Jesus did not confess, as he was sinless. Mark did not state why Jesus submitted to John’s baptism; however, three reasons may be suggested:

(1) It was an act of obedience, showing that Jesus was in full agreement with God’s overall plan and the role of John’s baptism in it (Matt. 3:15).
(2) It was an act of self-identification with the nation of Israel whose heritage and sinful predicament He shared (cf. Isa. 53:12).
(3) It was an act of self-dedication to His messianic mission, signifying His official acceptance and entrance into it.

Jesus was then baptized. This is the Covenantal Transition.
He come up, the Spirit came down. A voice was heard from heaven, announcing: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Conclusion

A New Transition: John (OT) to Jesus (NT) to us!

When we were baptized we took on the sign of the Covenant that God would be our God, and we would be His people.
Our baptism symbolizes our confession and repentance. Our sin is taken away, and we are forgiven.
Our baptism initiates us into the church and ministry.

John announced the way for Jesus. Jesus made the way for us.