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Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible - New Testament

Gospel of Matthew 3 (Chapter III Study)

 

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At the start of this chapter, concerning the baptism of John, begins the gospel (Mark i. 1); what went before is but preface or introduction; this is "the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ." And Peter observes the same date, Acts i. 22, beginning from the baptism of John, for then Christ began first to appear in him, and then to appear to him, and by him to the world. Here is, I. The glorious rising of the morning-star—John the Baptist, ver. 1. 1. The doctrine he preached, ver. 2. 2. The fulfilling of the scripture in him, ver. 3. 3. His manner of life, ver. 4. 4. The resort of multitudes to him, and their submission to his baptism, ver. 5, 6. 5. His sermon that he preached to the Pharisees and Sadducees, wherein he endeavours to bring them to repentance (ver. 7-10), and so to bring them to Christ, ver. 11, 12. II. The more glorious shining forth of the Sun of righteousness, immediately after: where we have, 1. The honour done by him to the baptism of John, ver. 13-15. 2. The honour done to him by the descent of the Spirit upon him, and a voice from heaven, ver. 16, 17.

The Preaching of John the Baptist.

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,   2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.   3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.   4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.   5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan,   6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

We have here an account of the preaching and baptism of John, which were the dawning of the gospel-day. Observe,

St-Takla.org Image: John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ - St. Taklahimanot Church, Piassa, Gonder - From St-Takla.org's Ethiopia visit - Photograph by Michael Ghaly for St-Takla.org, April-June 2008 صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: القديس يوحنا المعمدان يعمد يسوع المسيح - من ألبوم صور كنيسة الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت بمنطقة البيازا، جوندر، الحبشة - تصوير مايكل غالي لموقع الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت، من رحلة موقع الأنبا تكلا إلى إثيوبيا، إبريل - يونيو 2008

St-Takla.org Image: John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ - St. Taklahimanot Church, Piassa, Gonder - From St-Takla.org's Ethiopia visit - Photograph by Michael Ghaly for St-Takla.org, April-June 2008

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: القديس يوحنا المعمدان يعمد يسوع المسيح - من ألبوم صور كنيسة الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت بمنطقة البيازا، جوندر، الحبشة - تصوير مايكل غالي لموقع الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت، من رحلة موقع الأنبا تكلا إلى إثيوبيا، إبريل - يونيو 2008

I. The time when he appeared. In those days (v. 1), or, after those days, long after what was recorded in the foregoing chapter, which left the child Jesus in his infancy. In those days, in the time appointed of the Father for the beginning of the gospel, when the fulness of time was come, which was often thus spoken of in the Old Testament, In those days. Now the last of Daniel's weeks began, or rather, the latter half of the week, when the Messiah was to confirm the covenant with many, Dan. ix. 27. Christ's appearances are all in their season. Glorious things were spoken both of John and Jesus, at and before their births, which would have given occasion to expect some extraordinary appearances of a divine presence and power with them when they were very young; but it is quite otherwise. Except Christ's disputing with the doctors at twelve years old, nothing appears remarkable concerning either of them, till they were about thirty years old. Nothing is recorded of their childhood and youth, but the greatest part of their life is tempos, adelonwrapt up in darkness and obscurity: these children differ little in outward appearance from other children, as the heir, while he is under age, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all. And this was to show, 1. That even when God is acting as the God of Israel, the Saviour, yet verily he is a God that hideth himself (Isa. xlv. 15). The Lord is in this place and I knew it not, Gen. xxviii. 16. Our beloved stands behind the wall long before he looks forth at the windows, Cant. ii. 9. 2. That our faith must principally have an eye to Christ in his office and undertaking, for there is the display of his power; but in his person is the hiding of his power. All this while, Christ was god-man; yet we are not told what he said or did, till he appeared as a prophet; and then, Hear ye him. 3. That young men, though well qualified, should not be forward to put forth themselves in public service, but be humble, and modest, and self-diffident, swift to hear, and slow to speak.

Matthew says nothing of the conception and birth of John the Baptist, which is largely related by St. Luke, but finds him at full age, as if dropt from the clouds to preach in the wilderness. For above three hundred years the church had been without prophets; those lights had been long put out, that he might be the more desired, who was to be the great prophet. After Malachi there was no prophet, nor any pretender to prophecy, till John the Baptist, to whom therefore the prophet Malachi points more directly than any of the Old Testament prophets had done (Mal. iii. 1); I send my messenger.

II. The place where he appeared first. In the wilderness of Judea. It was not an uninhabited desert, but a part of the country not so thickly peopled, nor so much enclosed into fields and vineyards, as other parts were; it was such a wilderness as had six cities and their villages in it, which are named, Josh. xv. 61, 62. In these cities and villages John preached, for thereabouts he had hitherto lived, being born hard by, in Hebron; the scenes of his action began there, where he had long spent his time in contemplation; and even when he showed himself to Israel, he showed how well he loved retirement, as far as would consist with his business. The word of the Lord found John here in a wilderness. Note, No place is so remote as to shut us out from the visits of divine grace; nay, commonly the sweetest intercourse the saints have with Heaven, is when they are withdrawn furthest from the noise of this world. It was in this wilderness of Judah that David penned the 63d Psalm, which speaks so much of the sweet communion he then had with God, Hos. ii. 14. In a wilderness the law was given; and as the Old Testament, so the New Testament Israel was first found in the desert land, and there God led him about and instructed him, Deut. xxxii. 10. John Baptist was a priest of the order of Aaron, yet we find him preaching in a wilderness, and never officiating in the temple; but Christ, who was not a son of Aaron, is yet often found in the temple, and sitting there as one having authority; so it was foretold, Mal. iii. 1. The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple; not the messenger that was to prepare his way. This intimated that the priesthood of Christ was to thrust out that of Aaron, and drive it into a wilderness.

The beginning of the gospel in a wilderness, speaks comfort to the deserts of the Gentile world. Now must the prophecies be fulfilled, I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, Isa. xli. 18, 19. The wilderness shall be a fruitful field, Isa. xxxii. 15. And the desert shall rejoice, Isa. xxxv. 1, 2. The Septuagint reads, the deserts of Jordan, the very wilderness in which John preached. In the Romish church there are those who call themselves hermits, and pretend to follow John; but when they say of Christ, Behold, he is in the desert, go not forth, ch. xxiv. 26. There was a seducer that led his followers into the wilderness, Acts xxi. 38.

III. His preaching. This he made his business. He came, not fighting, nor disputing, but preaching (v. 1); for by the foolishness of preaching, Christ's kingdom must be set up.

1. The doctrine he preached was that of repentance (v. 2); Repent ye. He preached this in Judea, among those that were called Jews, and made a profession of religion; for even they needed repentance. He preached it, not in Jerusalem, but in the wilderness of Judea, among the plain country people; for even those who think themselves most out of the way of temptation, and furthest from the vanities and vices of the town, cannot wash their hands in innocency, but must do it in repentance. John Baptist's business was to call men to repent of their sins; MetanoeiteBethink yourselves; "Admit a second thought, to correct the errors of the first—an afterthought. Consider your ways, change your minds; you have thought amiss; think again, and think aright." Note, True penitents have other thoughts of God and Christ, and sin and holiness, and this world and the other, than they have had, and stand otherwise affected toward them. The change of the mind produces a change of the way. Those who are truly sorry for what they have done amiss, will be careful to do so no more. This repentance is a necessary duty, in obedience to the command of God (Acts xvii. 30); and a necessary preparative and qualification for the comforts of the gospel of Christ. If the heart of man had continued upright and unstained, divine consolations might have been received without this painful operation preceding; but, being sinful, it must be first pained before it can be laid at ease, must labour before it can be at rest. The sore must be searched, or it cannot be cured. I wound and I heal.

St-Takla.org Image: The baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist (with angels) - Mosaic ceiling, date from 1225 until the fourteenth century, Byzantine style - Florence Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San) Giovanni at the Florence Cathedral: The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo di Firenze, cattedrale metropolitana di Santa Maria del Fiore), Florence, Italy. It was established in 1296, and work completed in 1436. - Photograph by Michael Ghaly for St-Takla.org, September 28-29, 2014. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: معمودية السيد المسيح يسوع بواسطة القديس الشهيد يوحنا المعمدان (مع الملائكة) - سقف الفسيفساء، تم العمل به من 1225 م. وحتى القرن الرابع عشر، بأسلوب بيزنطي - صور معمودية القديس يوحنا في كاتدرائية القديسة العذراء مريم: كاتدرائية عذراء الزهور (دومو دي فيرينزي)، فلورنسا، إيطاليا. وقد بدأ العمل بها عام 1296، وتم إكماله عام 1436 م. - تصوير مايكل غالي لموقع الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت، 28-29 سبتمبر 2014

St-Takla.org Image: The baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist (with angels) - Mosaic ceiling, date from 1225 until the fourteenth century, Byzantine style - Florence Baptistery of Saint John (Battistero di San) Giovanni at the Florence Cathedral: The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo di Firenze, cattedrale metropolitana di Santa Maria del Fiore), Florence, Italy. It was established in 1296, and work completed in 1436. - Photograph by Michael Ghaly for St-Takla.org, September 28-29, 2014.

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: معمودية السيد المسيح يسوع بواسطة القديس الشهيد يوحنا المعمدان (مع الملائكة) - سقف الفسيفساء، تم العمل به من 1225 م. وحتى القرن الرابع عشر، بأسلوب بيزنطي - صور معمودية القديس يوحنا في كاتدرائية القديسة العذراء مريم: كاتدرائية عذراء الزهور (دومو دي فيرينزي)، فلورنسا، إيطاليا. وقد بدأ العمل بها عام 1296، وتم إكماله عام 1436 م. - تصوير مايكل غالي لموقع الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت، 28-29 سبتمبر 2014

2. The argument he used to enforce this call was, For the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The prophets of the Old Testament called people to repent, for the obtaining and securing of temporal national mercies, and for the preventing and removing of temporal national judgments: but now, though the duty pressed is the same, the reason is new, and purely evangelical. Men are now considered in their personal capacity, and not so much as then in a social and political one. Now repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; the gospel dispensation of the covenant of grace, the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers, by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and you can find more about that here on st-takla.org on other commentaries and dictionary entries. It is a kingdom of which Christ is the Sovereign, and we must be the willing, loyal subjects of it. It is a kingdom of heaven, not of this world, a spiritual kingdom: its original from heaven, its tendency to heaven. John preached this as at hand; then it was at the door; to us it is come, by the pouring out of the Spirit, and the full exhibition of the riches of gospel-grace. Now, (1.) This is a great inducement to us to repent. There is nothing like the consideration of divine grace to break the heart, both for sin and from sin. That is evangelical repentance, that flows from a sight of Christ, from a sense of his love, and the hopes of pardon and forgiveness through him. Kindness is conquering; abused kindness, humbling and melting. What a wretch was I to sin against such grace, against the law and love of such a kingdom! (2.) It is a great encouragement to us to repent; "Repent, for your sins shall be pardoned upon your repentance. Return to God in a way of duty, and he will, through Christ, return to you in a way of mercy." The proclamation of pardon discovers, and fetches in, the malefactor who before fled and absconded. Thus we are drawn to it with the cords of man, and the bands of love.

IV. The prophecy that was fulfilled in him, v. 3. This is he that was spoken of in the beginning of that part of the prophecy of Esaias, which is mostly evangelical, and which points at gospel-times and gospel-grace; see Isa. xl. 3, 4. John is here spoken of,

1. As the voice of one crying in the wilderness. John owned it himself (John i. 23); I am the voice, and that is all, God is the Speaker, who makes known his mind by John, as a man does by his voice. The word of God must be received as such (1 Thess. ii. 13); what else is Paul, and what is Apollos, but the voice! John is called the voice, phone boontosthe voice of one crying aloud, which is startling and awakening. Christ is called the Word, which, being distinct and articulate, is more instructive. John as the voice, roused men, and then Christ, as the Word, taught them; as we find, Rev. xiv. 2. The voice of many waters, and of a great thunder, made way for the melodious voice of harpers and the new song, v. 3. Some observe that, as Samson's mother must drink no strong drink, yet he was designed to be a strong man; so John Baptist's father was struck dumb, and yet he was designed to be the voice of one crying. When the crier's voice is begotten of a dumb father, it shows the excellency of the power to be of God, and not of man.

2. As one whose business it was to prepare the way of the Lord, and to make his paths straight; so it was said of him before he was born, that he should make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke i. 17), as Christ's harbinger and forerunner: he was such a one as intimated the nature of Christ's kingdom, for he came not in the gaudy dress of a herald at arms, but in the homely one of a hermit. Officers were sent before great men to clear the way; so John prepares the way of the Lord. (1.) He himself did so among the men of that generation. In the Jewish church and nation, at that time, all was out of course; there was a great decay of piety, the vitals of religion were corrupted and eaten out by the traditions and injunctions of the elders. The Scribes and Pharisees, that is, the greatest hypocrites in the world, had the key of knowledge, and the key of government, at their girdle. The people were, generally, extremely proud of their privileges, confident of justification by their own righteousness, insensible of sin; and, though now under the most humbling providences, being lately made a province of the Roman Empire, yet they were unhumbled; they were much in the same temper as they were in Malachi's time, insolent and haughty, and ready to contradict the word of God: now John was sent to level these mountains, to take down their high opinion of themselves, and to show them their sins, that the doctrine of Christ might be the more acceptable and effectual. (2.) His doctrine of repentance and humiliation is still as necessary as it was then to prepare the way of the Lord. Note, There is a great deal to be done, to make way for Christ into a soul, to bow the heart for the reception of the Son of David (2 Sam. xix. 14); and nothing is more needful, in order to this, than the discovery of sin, and a conviction of the insufficiency of our own righteousness. That which lets will let, until it be taken out of the way; prejudices must be removed, high thoughts brought down, and captivated to the obedience of Christ. Gates of brass must be broken, and bars of iron cut asunder, ere the everlasting doors be opened for the King of glory to come in. The way of sin and Satan is a crooked way; to prepare a way for Christ, the paths must be made straight, Heb. xii. 13.

St-Takla.org Image: Saint John the Baptist (Matthew 3) - Matthew, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: القديس يوحنا المعمدان (متى 3) - صور إنجيل متى، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: Saint John the Baptist (Matthew 3) - Matthew, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: القديس يوحنا المعمدان (متى 3) - صور إنجيل متى، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

V. The garb in which he appeared, the figure he made, and the manner of his life, v. 4. They, who expected the Messiah as a temporal prince, would think that his forerunner must come in great pomp and splendour, that his equipage should be very magnificent and gay; but it proves quite contrary; he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, but mean in the eyes of the world; and, as Christ himself, having no form or comeliness; to intimate betimes, that the glory of Christ's kingdom was to be spiritual, and the subjects of it such as ordinarily were either found by it, or made by it, poor and despised, who derived their honours, pleasures, and riches, from another world.

1. His dress was plain. This same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; he did not go in long clothing, as the scribes, or soft clothing, as the courtiers, but in the clothing of a country husbandman; for he lived in a country place, and suited his habit to his habitation. Note, It is good for us to accommodate ourselves to the place and condition which God, in his providence, has put us in. John appeared in this dress, (1.) To show that, like Jacob, he was a plain man, and mortified to this world, and the delights and gaieties of it. Behold an Israelite indeed! Those that are lowly in heart should show it by a holy negligence and indifference in their attire; and not make the putting on of apparel their adorning, nor value others by their attire. (2.) To show that he was a prophet, for prophets wore rough garments, as mortified men (Zech. xiii. 4); and, especially, to show that he was the Elias promised; for particular notice is taken of Elias, that he was a hairy man (which, some think, is meant of the hairy garments he wore), and that he was girt with a girdle of leather about his loins, 2 Kings i. 8. John Baptist appears no way inferior to him in mortification; this therefore is that Elias that was to come. (3.) To show that he was a man of resolution; his girdle was not fine, such as were then commonly worn, but it was strong, it was a leathern girdle; and blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he comes, finds with his loins girt, Luke xii. 35; 1 Pet. i. 13.

2. His diet was plain; his meat was locusts and wild honey; not as if he never ate any thing else; but these he frequently fed upon, and made many meals of them, when he retired into solitary places, and continued long there for contemplation. Locusts were a sort of flying insect, very good for food, and allowed as clean (Lev. xi. 22); they required little dressing, and were light, and easy of digestion, whence it is reckoned among the infirmities of old age, that the grasshopper, or locust, is then a burden to the stomach, Eccl. xii. 5. Wild honey was that which Canaan flowed with, 1 Sam. xiv. 26. Either it was gathered immediately, as it fell in the dew, or rather, as it was found in the hollows of trees and rocks, where bees built, that were not, like those in hives, under the care and inspection of men. This intimates that he ate sparingly, a little served his turn; a man would be long ere he filled his belly with locusts and wild honey: John Baptist came neither eating nor drinking (ch. xi. 18)—not with the curiosity, formality, and familiarity that other people do. He was so entirely taken up with spiritual things, that he could seldom find time for a set meal. Now, (1.) This agreed with the doctrine he preached of repentance, and fruits meet for repentance. Note, Those whose business it is to call others to mourn for sin, and to mortify it, ought themselves to live a serious life, a life of self-denial, mortification, and contempt of the world. John Baptist thus showed the deep sense he had of the badness of the time and place he lived in, which made the preaching of repentance needful; every day was a fast-day with him. (2.) This agreed with his office as Christ's forerunner; by this practice he showed that he knew what the kingdom of heaven was, and had experienced the powers of it. Note, Those that are acquainted with divine and spiritual pleasures, cannot but look upon all the delights and ornaments of sense with a holy indifference; they know better things. By giving others this example he made way for Christ. Note, A conviction of the vanity of the world, and everything in it, is the best preparative for the entertainment of the kingdom of heaven in the heart. Blessed are the poor in spirit.

St-Takla.org Image: John the Baptist: "For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3: 3-4) - "As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”" (Mark 1: 2-3) - "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.. as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”" (Luke 3: 1-2, 4-6) - "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light" (John 1: 6-8) - Luke, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: يوحنا المعمدان: "فإن هذا هو الذي قيل عنه بإشعياء النبي القائل: «صوت صارخ في البرية: أعدوا طريق الرب. اصنعوا سبله مستقيمة». ويوحنا هذا كان لباسه من وبر الإبل، وعلى حقويه منطقة من جلد. وكان طعامه جرادا وعسلا بريا (متى 3: 3-4) - "كما هو مكتوب في الأنبياء: «ها أنا أرسل أمام وجهك ملاكي، الذي يهيئ طريقك قدامك. صوت صارخ في البرية: أعدوا طريق الرب، اصنعوا سبله مستقيمة»" (مرقس 1: 2-3) - "وفي السنة الخامسة عشرة من سلطنة طيباريوس قيصر، إذ كان بيلاطس البنطي واليا على اليهودية، وهيرودس رئيس ربع على الجليل، وفيلبس أخوه رئيس ربع على إيطورية وكورة تراخونيتس، وليسانيوس رئيس ربع على الأبلية، في أيام رئيس الكهنة حنان وقيافا، كانت كلمة الله على يوحنا بن زكريا في البرية.. كما هو مكتوب في سفر أقوال إشعياء النبي القائل : «صوت صارخ في البرية: أعدوا طريق الرب، اصنعوا سبله مستقيمة. كل واد يمتلئ، وكل جبل وأكمة ينخفض، وتصير المعوجات مستقيمة، والشعاب طرقا سهلة، ويبصر كل بشر خلاص الله»" (لوقا 3: 1-2، 4-6) - "كان إنسان مرسل من الله اسمه يوحنا. هذا جاء للشهادة ليشهد للنور، لكي يؤمن الكل بواسطته. لم يكن هو النور، بل ليشهد للنور" (يوحنا 1: 6-8) - صور إنجيل لوقا، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: John the Baptist: "For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3: 3-4) - "As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”" (Mark 1: 2-3) - "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.. as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”" (Luke 3: 1-2, 4-6) - "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light" (John 1: 6-8) - Luke, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: يوحنا المعمدان: "فإن هذا هو الذي قيل عنه بإشعياء النبي القائل: «صوت صارخ في البرية: أعدوا طريق الرب. اصنعوا سبله مستقيمة». ويوحنا هذا كان لباسه من وبر الإبل، وعلى حقويه منطقة من جلد. وكان طعامه جرادا وعسلا بريا (متى 3: 3-4) - "كما هو مكتوب في الأنبياء: «ها أنا أرسل أمام وجهك ملاكي، الذي يهيئ طريقك قدامك. صوت صارخ في البرية: أعدوا طريق الرب، اصنعوا سبله مستقيمة»" (مرقس 1: 2-3) - "وفي السنة الخامسة عشرة من سلطنة طيباريوس قيصر، إذ كان بيلاطس البنطي واليا على اليهودية، وهيرودس رئيس ربع على الجليل، وفيلبس أخوه رئيس ربع على إيطورية وكورة تراخونيتس، وليسانيوس رئيس ربع على الأبلية، في أيام رئيس الكهنة حنان وقيافا، كانت كلمة الله على يوحنا بن زكريا في البرية.. كما هو مكتوب في سفر أقوال إشعياء النبي القائل : «صوت صارخ في البرية: أعدوا طريق الرب، اصنعوا سبله مستقيمة. كل واد يمتلئ، وكل جبل وأكمة ينخفض، وتصير المعوجات مستقيمة، والشعاب طرقا سهلة، ويبصر كل بشر خلاص الله»" (لوقا 3: 1-2، 4-6) - "كان إنسان مرسل من الله اسمه يوحنا. هذا جاء للشهادة ليشهد للنور، لكي يؤمن الكل بواسطته. لم يكن هو النور، بل ليشهد للنور" (يوحنا 1: 6-8) - صور إنجيل لوقا، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

VI. The people who attended upon him, and flocked after him (v. 5); Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea. Great multitudes came to him from the city, and from all parts of the country; some of all sorts, men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Pharisees and publicans; they went out to him, as soon as they heard his preaching the kingdom of heaven, that they might hear what they heard so much of. Now, 1. This was a great honour put upon John, that so many attended him, and with so much respect. Note, Frequently those have most real honour done them, who least court the shadow of it. Those who live a mortified life, who are humble and self-denying, and dead to the world, command respect; and men have a secret value and reverence for them, more than they would imagine. 2. This gave John a great opportunity of doing good, and was an evidence that God was with him. Now people began to crowd and press into the kingdom of heaven (Luke xvi. 16); and a blessed sight it was, to see the dew of the youth dropping from the womb of the gospel-morning (Ps. cx. 3), to see the net cast where there were so many fish. 3. This was an evidence, that it was now a time of great expectation; it was generally thought that the kingdom of God would presently appear (Luke xix. 11), and therefore, when John showed himself to Israel, lived and preached at this rate, so very different from the Scribes and Pharisees, they were ready to say of him, that he was the Christ (Luke iii. 15); and this occasioned such a confluence of people about him. 4. Those who would have the benefit of John's ministry must go out to him in the wilderness, sharing in his reproach. Note, They who truly desire the sincere milk of the word, it if be not brought to them, will seek out for it: and they who would learn the doctrine of repentance must go out from the hurry of this world, and be still. 5. It appears by the issue, that of the many who came to John's Baptism, there were but few that adhered to it; witness the cold reception Christ had in Judea, and about Jerusalem. Note, There may be a multitude of forward hearers, where there are but a few true believers. Curiosity, and affectation of novelty and variety, may bring many to attend upon good preaching, and to be affected with it for a while, who yet are never subject to the power of it, Ezek. xxxiii. 31, 32.

VII. The rite, or ceremony, by which he admitted disciples, v. 6. Those who received his doctrine, and submitted to his discipline, were baptized of him in Jordan, thereby professing their repentance, and their belief that the kingdom of the Messiah was at hand. 1. They testified their repentance by confessing their sins; a general confession, it is probable, they made to John that they were sinners, that they were polluted by sin, and needed cleansing; but to God they made a confession of particular sins, for he is the party offended. The Jews had been taught to justify themselves; but John teaches them to accuse themselves, and not to rest, as they used to do, in the general confession of sin made for all Israel, once a year, upon the day of atonement; but to make a particular acknowledgment, every one, of the plague of his own heart. Note, A penitent confession of sin is required in order to peace and pardon; and those only are ready to receive Jesus Christ as their Righteousness, who are brought with sorrow and shame to their own guilt, 1 John i. 9. 2. The benefits of the kingdom of heaven, now at hand, were thereupon sealed to them by baptism. He washed them with water, in token of this—that from all their iniquities God would cleanse them. It was usual with the Jews to baptize those whom they admitted proselytes to their religion, especially those who were only Proselytes of the gate, and were not circumcised, as the Proselytes of righteousness were. Some think it was likewise a custom for persons of eminent religion, who set up for leaders, by baptism to admit pupils and disciples. Christ's question concerning John's Baptism, Was it from heaven, or of men? implied, that there were baptisms of men, who pretended not to a divine mission; with this usage John complied, but his was from heaven, and was distinguished from all others by this character, It was the baptism of repentance, Acts xix. 4. All Israel were baptized unto Moses, 1 Cor. x. 2. The ceremonial law consisted in divers washings or baptisms (Heb. ix. 10); but John's baptism refers to the remedial law, the law of repentance and faith. He is said to baptize them in Jordan, that river which was famous for Israel's passage through it, and Naaman's cure; yet it is probable that John did not baptize in that river at first, but that afterward, when the people who came to his baptism were numerous, he removed Jordan. By baptism he obliged them to live a holy life, according to the profession they took upon themselves. Note, Confession of sin must always be accompanied with holy resolutions, in the strength of divine grace, not to return to it again.

The Preaching of John the Baptist.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?   8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:   9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.   10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.   11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:   12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

The doctrine John preached was that of repentance, in consideration of the kingdom of heaven being at hand; now here we have the use of that doctrine. Application is the life of preaching, so it was of John's preaching.

St-Takla.org Image: John the Baptist: "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”" (Matthew 3: 1-2) - "John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1: 4) - "And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Luke 3: 3) - "Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”" (John 1: 19-21) - Luke, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: يوحنا المعمدان: "وفي تلك الأيام جاء يوحنا المعمدان يكرز في برية اليهودية قائلا: «توبوا، لأنه قد اقترب ملكوت السماوات" (متى 3: 1-2) - "كان يوحنا يعمد في البرية ويكرز بمعمودية التوبة لمغفرة الخطايا" (مرقس 1: 4) - "فجاء إلى جميع الكورة المحيطة بالأردن يكرز بمعمودية التوبة لمغفرة الخطايا" (لوقا 3: 3) - "وهذه هي شهادة يوحنا، حين أرسل اليهود من أورشليم كهنة ولاويين ليسألوه: «من أنت؟» فاعترف ولم ينكر، وأقر: «إني لست أنا المسيح». فسألوه: «إذا ماذا؟ إيليا أنت؟» فقال: «لست أنا». «ألنبي أنت؟» فأجاب: «لا»" (يوحنا 1: 19-21) - صور إنجيل لوقا، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: John the Baptist: "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”" (Matthew 3: 1-2) - "John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1: 4) - "And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Luke 3: 3) - "Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”" (John 1: 19-21) - Luke, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: يوحنا المعمدان: "وفي تلك الأيام جاء يوحنا المعمدان يكرز في برية اليهودية قائلا: «توبوا، لأنه قد اقترب ملكوت السماوات" (متى 3: 1-2) - "كان يوحنا يعمد في البرية ويكرز بمعمودية التوبة لمغفرة الخطايا" (مرقس 1: 4) - "فجاء إلى جميع الكورة المحيطة بالأردن يكرز بمعمودية التوبة لمغفرة الخطايا" (لوقا 3: 3) - "وهذه هي شهادة يوحنا، حين أرسل اليهود من أورشليم كهنة ولاويين ليسألوه: «من أنت؟» فاعترف ولم ينكر، وأقر: «إني لست أنا المسيح». فسألوه: «إذا ماذا؟ إيليا أنت؟» فقال: «لست أنا». «ألنبي أنت؟» فأجاب: «لا»" (يوحنا 1: 19-21) - صور إنجيل لوقا، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

Observe, 1. To whom he applied it; to the Pharisees and Sadducees that came to his baptism, v. 7. To others he thought it enough to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; but when he saw these Pharisees and Sadducees come about him, he found it necessary to explain himself, and deal more closely. These were two of the three noted sects among the Jews at that time, the third was that of the Essenes, whom we never read of in the gospels, for they affected retirement, and declined busying themselves in public affairs. The Pharisees were zealots for the ceremonies, for the power of the church, and the traditions of the elders; the Sadducees ran into the other extreme, and were little better than deists, denying the existence of spirits and a future state. It was strange that they came to John's baptism, but their curiosity brought them to be hearers; and some of them, it is probable, submitted to be baptized, but it is certain that the generality of them did not; for Christ says (Luke vii. 29, 30), that when the publicans justified God, and were baptized of John, the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Note, Many come to ordinances, who come not under the power of them. Now to them John here addresses himself with all faithfulness, and what he said to them, he said to the multitude (Luke iii. 7), for they were all concerned in what he said. 2. What the application was. It is plain and home, and directed to their consciences; he speaks as one that came not to preach before them, but to preach to them. Though his education was private, he was not bashful when he appeared in public, nor did he fear the face of man, for he was full of the Holy Ghost, and of power.

I. Here is a word of conviction and awakening. He begins harshly, calls them not Rabbi, gives them not the titles, much less the applauses, they had been used to. 1. The title he gives them is, O generation of vipers. Christ gave them the same title; ch. xii. 34; xxiii. 33. They were as vipers; though specious, yet venomous and poisonous, and full of malice and enmity to every thing that was good; they were a viperous brood, the seed and offspring of such as had been of the same spirit; it was bred in the bone with them. They gloried in it, that they were the seed of Abraham; but John showed them that they were the serpent's seed (compare Gen. iii. 15); of their father the Devil, John viii. 44. They were a viperous gang, they were all alike; though enemies to one another, yet confederate in mischief. Note, A wicked generation is a generation of vipers, and they ought to be told so; it becomes the ministers of Christ to be bold in showing sinners their true character. 2. The alarm he gives them is, Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? This intimates that they were in danger of the wrath to come; and that their case was so nearly desperate, and their hearts so hardened in sin (the Pharisees by their parade of religion, and the Sadducees by their arguments against religion), that it was next to a miracle to effect anything hopeful among them. "What brings you hither? Who thought of seeing you here? What fright have you been put into, that you enquire after the kingdom of heaven?" Note, (1.) There is a wrath to come; besides present wrath, the vials of which are poured out now, there is future wrath, the stores of which are treasured up for hereafter. (2.) It is the great concern of every one of us to flee from this wrath. (3.) It is wonderful mercy that we are fairly warned to flee from this wrath; think—Who has warned us? God has warned us, who delights not in our ruin; he warns by the written word, by ministers, by conscience. (4.) These warnings sometime startle those who seemed to have been very much hardened in their security and good opinion of themselves.

II. Here is a word of exhortation and direction (v. 8); "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Therefore, because you are warned to flee from the wrath to come, let the terrors of the Lord persuade you to a holy life." Or, "Therefore, because you profess repentance, and attend upon the doctrine and baptism of repentance, evidence that you are true penitents." Repentance is seated in the heart. There it is as a root; but in vain do we pretend to have it there, if we do not bring forth the fruits of it in a universal reformation, forsaking all sin, and cleaving to that which is good; these are fruits, axious tes metanoiasworthy of repentance. Note, Those are not worthy the name of penitents, or their privileges, who say they are sorry for their sins, and yet persist in them. They that profess repentance, as all that are baptized do, must be and act as becomes penitents, and never do any thing unbecoming a penitent sinner. It becomes penitents to be humble and low in their own eyes, to be thankful for the least mercy, patient under the greatest affliction, to be watchful against all appearances of sin, and approaches towards it, to abound in every duty, and to be charitable in judging others.

St-Takla.org Image: John lived in the wilderness. His clothes were made of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. (John 1: 6) (Matthew 3: 4) (Mark 1: 6) (Luke 3: 1-2) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (1) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "كان إنسان مرسل من الله اسمه يوحنا" (يوحنا 1: 6) - "ويوحنا هذا كان لباسه من وبر الإبل، وعلى حقويه منطقة من جلد. وكان طعامه جرادا وعسلا بريا" (متى 3: 4) - "وكان يوحنا يلبس وبر الإبل، ومنطقة من جلد على حقويه، ويأكل جرادا وعسلا بريا" (مرقس 1: 6) - "وفي السنة الخامسة عشرة من سلطنة طيباريوس قيصر، إذ كان بيلاطس البنطي واليا على اليهودية، وهيرودس رئيس ربع على الجليل، وفيلبس أخوه رئيس ربع على إيطورية وكورة تراخونيتس، وليسانيوس رئيس ربع على الأبلية، في أيام رئيس الكهنة حنان وقيافا، كانت كلمة الله على يوحنا بن زكريا في البرية" (لوقا 3: 1-2) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (1) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: John lived in the wilderness. His clothes were made of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. (John 1: 6) (Matthew 3: 4) (Mark 1: 6) (Luke 3: 1-2) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (1) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "كان إنسان مرسل من الله اسمه يوحنا" (يوحنا 1: 6) - "ويوحنا هذا كان لباسه من وبر الإبل، وعلى حقويه منطقة من جلد. وكان طعامه جرادا وعسلا بريا" (متى 3: 4) - "وكان يوحنا يلبس وبر الإبل، ومنطقة من جلد على حقويه، ويأكل جرادا وعسلا بريا" (مرقس 1: 6) - "وفي السنة الخامسة عشرة من سلطنة طيباريوس قيصر، إذ كان بيلاطس البنطي واليا على اليهودية، وهيرودس رئيس ربع على الجليل، وفيلبس أخوه رئيس ربع على إيطورية وكورة تراخونيتس، وليسانيوس رئيس ربع على الأبلية، في أيام رئيس الكهنة حنان وقيافا، كانت كلمة الله على يوحنا بن زكريا في البرية" (لوقا 3: 1-2) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (1) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

III. Here is a word of caution, not to trust to their external privileges, so as with them to shift off these calls to repentance (v. 9); Think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father. Note, There is a great deal which carnal hearts are apt to say within themselves, to put by the convincing, commanding power of the word of God, which ministers should labour to meet with and anticipate; vain thoughts which lodge within those who are called to wash their hearts, Jer. iv. 14. Me doxetePretend not, presume not, to say within yourselves; be not of the opinion that this will save you; harbour not such a conceit. "Please not yourselves with saying this" (so some read); "rock not yourselves asleep with this, nor flatter yourselves into a fool's paradise." Note, God takes notice of what we say within ourselves, which we dare not speak out, and is acquainted with all the false rests of the soul, and the fallacies with which it deludes itself, but which it will not discover, lest it should be undeceived. Many hide the lie that ruins them, in their right hand, and roll it under their tongue, because they are ashamed to own it; they keep in the Devil's interest, by keeping the Devil's counsel. Now John shows them,

1. What their pretence was; "We have Abraham to our father; we are not sinners of the Gentiles; it is fit indeed that they should be called to repent; but we are Jews, a holy nation, a peculiar people, what is this to us?" Note, The word does us no good, when we will not take it as it is spoken to us, and belonging to us. "Think not that because you are the seed of Abraham, therefore," (1.) "You need not repent, you have nothing to repent of; your relation to Abraham, and your interest in the covenant made with him, denominate you so holy, that there is no occasion for you to change your mind or way." (2.) "That therefore you shall fare well enough, though you do not repent. Think not that this will bring you off in the judgment, and secure you from the wrath to come; that God will connive at your impenitence, because you are Abraham's seed." Note, It is vain presumption to think that our having good relations will save us, though we be not good ourselves. What though we be descended from pious ancestors; have been blessed with a religious education; have our lot cast in families where the fear of God is uppermost; and have good friends to advise us, and pray for us; what will all this avail us, if we do not repent, and live a life of repentance? We have Abraham to our father, and therefore are entitled to the privileges of the covenant made with him; being his seed, we are sons of the church, the temple of the Lord, Jer. vii. 4. Note, Multitudes, by resting in the honours and advantages of their visible church-membership, take up short of heaven.

2. How foolish and groundless this pretence was; they thought that being the seed of Abraham, they were the only people God had in the world, and therefore that, if they were cut off, he would be at a loss for a church; but John shows them the folly of this conceit; I say unto you (whatever you say within yourselves), that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. He was now baptizing in Jordan at Bethabara (John i. 28), the house of passage, where the children of Israel passed over; and there were the twelve stones, one for each tribe, which Joshua set up for a memorial, Josh. iv. 20. It is not unlikely that he pointed to those stones, which God could raise to be, more than in representation, the twelve tribes of Israel. Or perhaps he refers to Isa. li. 1, where Abraham is called the rock out of which they were hewn. That God who raised Isaac out of such a rock, can, if there be an occasion, do as much again, for with him nothing is impossible. Some think he pointed to those heathen soldiers that were present, telling the Jews that God would raise up a church for himself among the Gentiles, and entail the blessing of Abraham upon them. Thus when our first parents fell, God could have left them to perish, and out of stones have raised up another Adam and another Eve. Or, take it thus, "Stones themselves shall be owned as Abraham's seed, rather than such hard, dry, barren sinners as you are." Note, As it is lowering to the confidence of the sinners in Zion, so it is encouraging to the hopes of the sons of Zion, that, whatever comes of the present generation, God will never want a church in the world; if the Jews fall off, the Gentiles shall be grafted in, ch. xxi. 43; Rom. xi. 12, &c.

IV. Here is a word of terror to the careless and secure Pharisees and Sadducees, and other Jews, that knew not the signs of the times, nor the day of their visitation, v. 10. "Now look about you, now that the kingdom of God is at hand, and be made sensible."

St-Takla.org Image: People from all around went into the wilderness to hear John preach. Many confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the River Jordan. (John 1: 15) (Matthew 3: 5-6) (Mark 1: 5) (Luke 3: 7) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (3) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "يوحنا شهد له ونادى قائلا: «هذا هو الذي قلت عنه: إن الذي يأتي بعدي صار قدامي، لأنه كان قبلي»" (يوحنا 1: 15) - "حينئذ خرج إليه أورشليم وكل اليهودية وجميع الكورة المحيطة بالأردن، واعتمدوا منه في الأردن، معترفين بخطاياهم" (متى 3: 5-6) - "وخرج إليه جميع كورة اليهودية وأهل أورشليم واعتمدوا جميعهم منه في نهر الأردن، معترفين بخطاياهم" (مرقس 1: 5) - "وكان يقول للجموع الذين خرجوا ليعتمدوا منه.." (لوقا 3: 7) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (3) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: People from all around went into the wilderness to hear John preach. Many confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the River Jordan. (John 1: 15) (Matthew 3: 5-6) (Mark 1: 5) (Luke 3: 7) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (3) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "يوحنا شهد له ونادى قائلا: «هذا هو الذي قلت عنه: إن الذي يأتي بعدي صار قدامي، لأنه كان قبلي»" (يوحنا 1: 15) - "حينئذ خرج إليه أورشليم وكل اليهودية وجميع الكورة المحيطة بالأردن، واعتمدوا منه في الأردن، معترفين بخطاياهم" (متى 3: 5-6) - "وخرج إليه جميع كورة اليهودية وأهل أورشليم واعتمدوا جميعهم منه في نهر الأردن، معترفين بخطاياهم" (مرقس 1: 5) - "وكان يقول للجموع الذين خرجوا ليعتمدوا منه.." (لوقا 3: 7) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (3) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

1. How strict and short your trial is; Now the axe is carried before you, now it is laid to the root of the tree, now you are upon your good behavior, and are to be so but a while; now you are marked for ruin, and cannot avoid it but by a speedy and sincere repentance. Now you must expect that God will make quicker work with you by his judgments than he did formerly, and that they will begin at the house of God: "where God allows more means, he allows less time." Behold, I come quickly. Now they were put upon their last trial; now or never.

2. "How sore and severe your doom will be, if you do not improve this." It is now declared with the axe at the root, to show that God is in earnest in the declaration, that every tree, however high in gifts and honours, however green in external professions and performances, if it bring not forth good fruit, the fruits meet for repentance, is hewn down, disowned as a tree in God's vineyard, unworthy to have room there, and is cast into the fire of God's wrath—the fittest place for barren trees: what else are they good for? If not fit for fruit, they are fit for fuel. Probably this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, which was not, as other judgments had been, like the lopping off of the branches, or cutting down of the body of the tree, leaving the root to bud again, but it would be the total, final, and irrecoverable extirpation of that people, in which all those should perish that continued impenitent. Now God would make a full end, wrath was coming on them to the utmost.

V. A word of instruction concerning Jesus Christ, in whom all John's preaching centered. Christ's ministers preach, not themselves, but him. Here is,

1. The dignity and pre-eminence of Christ above John. See how meanly he speaks of himself, that he might magnify Christ (v. 11); "I indeed baptize you with water, that is the utmost I can do." Note, Sacraments derive not their efficacy from those who administer them; they can only apply the sign; it is Christ's prerogative to give the thing signified, 1 Cor. iii. 6; 2 Kings iv. 31. But he that comes after me is mightier than I. Though John had much power, for he came in the spirit and power of Elias, Christ has more; though John was truly great, great in the sight of the Lord (not a greater was born of woman), yet he thinks himself unworthy to be in the meanest place of attendance upon Christ, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He sees, (1.) How mighty Christ is, in comparison with him. Note, It is a great comfort to the faithful ministers, to think that Jesus Christ is mightier than they, can do that for them, and that by them, which they cannot do; his strength is perfected in their weakness. (2.) How mean he is in comparison with Christ, not worthy to carry his shoes after him! Note, Those whom God puts honour upon, are thereby made very humble and low in their own eyes; willing to be abased, so that Christ may be magnified; to be any thing, to be nothing, so that Christ may be all.

2. The design and intention of Christ's appearing, which they were now speedily to expect. When it was prophesied that John should be sent as Christ's forerunner (Mal. iii. 1, 2), it immediately follows, The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come, and shall sit as a refiner, v. 3. And after the coming of Elijah, the day comes that shall burn as an oven (Mal. iv. 1), to which the Baptist seems here to refer. Christ will come to make a distinction,

(1.) By the powerful working of his grace; He shall baptize you, that is, some of you, with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Note, [1.] It is Christ's prerogative to baptize with the Holy Ghost. This he did in the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit conferred upon the apostles, to which Christ himself applies these words of John, Acts i. 5. This he does in the graces and comforts of the Spirit given to them that ask him, Luke xi. 13; John vii. 38, 39; See Acts xi. 16. [2.] They who are baptized with the Holy Ghost are baptized as with fire; the seven spirits of God appear as seven lamps of fire, Rev. iv. 5. Is fire enlightening? So the Spirit is a Spirit of illumination. Is it warming? And do not their hearts burn within them? Is it consuming? And does not the Spirit of judgment, as a Spirit of burning, consume the dross of their corruptions? Does fire make all it seizes like itself? And does it move upwards? So does the Spirit make the soul holy like itself, and its tendency is heaven-ward. Christ says I am come to send fire, Luke xii. 49.

St-Takla.org Image: Jesus went from Galilee to the River Jordan to be baptized by John. When John saw Jesus he didn’t want to baptize Him. ’This isn’t proper,’ he said. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.’ (John 1: 28-31) (Matthew 3: 13-14) (Mark 1: 9) (Luke 3: 21) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (7) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "هذا كان في بيت عبرة في عبر الأردن حيث كان يوحنا يعمد. وفي الغد نظر يوحنا يسوع مقبلا إليه، فقال: «هوذا حمل الله الذي يرفع خطية العالم! هذا هو الذي قلت عنه: يأتي بعدي، رجل صار قدامي، لأنه كان قبلي. وأنا لم أكن أعرفه. لكن ليظهر لإسرائيل لذلك جئت أعمد بالماء»" (يوحنا 1: 28-31) - "حينئذ جاء يسوع من الجليل إلى الأردن إلى يوحنا ليعتمد منه. ولكن يوحنا منعه قائلا: «أنا محتاج أن أعتمد منك، وأنت تأتي إلي!»" (متى 3: 13-14) - "وفي تلك الأيام جاء يسوع من ناصرة الجليل" (مرقس 1: 9) - "ولما اعتمد جميع الشعب.." (لوقا 3: 21) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (7) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: Jesus went from Galilee to the River Jordan to be baptized by John. When John saw Jesus he didn’t want to baptize Him. ’This isn’t proper,’ he said. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.’ (John 1: 28-31) (Matthew 3: 13-14) (Mark 1: 9) (Luke 3: 21) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (7) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "هذا كان في بيت عبرة في عبر الأردن حيث كان يوحنا يعمد. وفي الغد نظر يوحنا يسوع مقبلا إليه، فقال: «هوذا حمل الله الذي يرفع خطية العالم! هذا هو الذي قلت عنه: يأتي بعدي، رجل صار قدامي، لأنه كان قبلي. وأنا لم أكن أعرفه. لكن ليظهر لإسرائيل لذلك جئت أعمد بالماء»" (يوحنا 1: 28-31) - "حينئذ جاء يسوع من الجليل إلى الأردن إلى يوحنا ليعتمد منه. ولكن يوحنا منعه قائلا: «أنا محتاج أن أعتمد منك، وأنت تأتي إلي!»" (متى 3: 13-14) - "وفي تلك الأيام جاء يسوع من ناصرة الجليل" (مرقس 1: 9) - "ولما اعتمد جميع الشعب.." (لوقا 3: 21) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (7) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

(2.) By the final determinations of his judgment (v. 12); Whose fan is in his hand. His ability to distinguish, as the eternal wisdom of the Father, who sees all by a true light, and his authority to distinguish, as the Person to whom all judgment is committed, is the fan that is in his hand, Jer. xv. 7. Now he sits as a Refiner. Observe here [1.] The visible church is Christ's floor; O my threshing, and the corn of my floor, Isa. xxi. 10. The temple, a type of church, was built upon a threshing-floor. [2.] In this floor there is a mixture of wheat and chaff. True believers are as wheat, substantial, useful, and valuable; hypocrites are as chaff, light, and empty, useless and worthless, and carried about with every wind; these are now mixed, good and bad, under the same external profession; and in the same visible communion. [3.] There is a day coming when the floor shall be purged, and the wheat and chaff shall be separated. Something of this kind is often done in this world, when God calls his people out of Babylon, Rev. xviii. 4. But it is the day of the last judgment that will be the great winnowing, distinguishing day, which will infallibly determine concerning doctrines and works (1 Cor. iii. 13), and concerning persons (ch. xxv. 32, 33), when saints and sinners shall be parted for ever. [4.] Heaven is the garner into which Jesus Christ will shortly gather all his wheat, and not a grain of it shall be lost: he will gather them as the ripe fruits were gathered in. Death's scythe is made use of to gather them to their people. In heaven the saints are brought together, and no longer scattered; they are safe, and no longer exposed; separated from corrupt neighbours without, and corrupt affections within, and there is no chaff among them. They are not only gathered into the barn (ch. xiii. 30), but into the garner, where they are thoroughly purified. [5.] Hell is the unquenchable fire, which will burn up the chaff, which will certainly be the portion and punishment, and everlasting destruction, of hypocrites and unbelievers. So that here are life and death, good and evil, set before us; according as we now are in the field, we shall be then in the floor.

The Baptism of Jesus.

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.   14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?   15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.   16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:   17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Our Lord Jesus, from his childhood till now, when he was almost thirty years of age, had lain hid in Galilee, as it were, buried alive; but now, after a long and dark night, behold, the Sun of righteousness rises in glory. The fulness of time was come that Christ should enter upon his prophetical office; and he chooses to do it, not at Jerusalem (though it is probable that he went thither at the three yearly feasts, as others did), but there where John was baptizing; for to him resorted those who waited for the consolation of Israel, to whom alone he would be welcome. John the Baptist was six months older than our Saviour, and it is supposed that he began to preach and baptize about six months before Christ appeared; so long he was employed in preparing his way, in the region round about Jordan; and more was done towards it in these six months than had been done in several ages before. Christ's coming from Galilee to Jordan, to be baptized, teaches us not the shrink from pain and toil, that we may have an opportunity of drawing nigh to God in ordinance. We should be willing to go far, rather than come short of communion with God. Those who will find must seek.

Now in this story of Christ's baptism we may observe,

St-Takla.org Image: But Jesus insisted, ‘Please do it, for I must do all that is right.’ So John baptized Jesus. (John 1: 29) (Matthew 3: 15) (Mark 1: 9) (Luke 3: 21) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (8) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "وفي الغد نظر يوحنا يسوع مقبلا إليه.." (يوحنا 1: 29) - "فأجاب يسوع وقال له: «اسمح الآن، لأنه هكذا يليق بنا أن نكمل كل بر». حينئذ سمح له" (متى 3: 15) - "وفي تلك الأيام جاء يسوع من ناصرة الجليل واعتمد من يوحنا في الأردن" (مرقس 1: 9) - "ولما اعتمد جميع الشعب اعتمد يسوع أيضا" (لوقا 3: 21) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (8) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: But Jesus insisted, ‘Please do it, for I must do all that is right.’ So John baptized Jesus. (John 1: 29) (Matthew 3: 15) (Mark 1: 9) (Luke 3: 21) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (8) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "وفي الغد نظر يوحنا يسوع مقبلا إليه.." (يوحنا 1: 29) - "فأجاب يسوع وقال له: «اسمح الآن، لأنه هكذا يليق بنا أن نكمل كل بر». حينئذ سمح له" (متى 3: 15) - "وفي تلك الأيام جاء يسوع من ناصرة الجليل واعتمد من يوحنا في الأردن" (مرقس 1: 9) - "ولما اعتمد جميع الشعب اعتمد يسوع أيضا" (لوقا 3: 21) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (8) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

I. How hardly John was persuaded to admit of it, v. 14, 15. It was an instance of Christ's great humility, that he would offer himself to be baptized of John; that he who knew no sin would submit to the baptism of repentance. Note, As soon as ever Christ began to preach, he preached humility, preached it by his example, preached it to all, especially the young ministers. Christ was designed for the highest honours, yet in his first step he thus abases himself. Note, Those who would rise high must begin low. Before honour is humility. It was a great piece of respect done to John, for Christ thus to come to him; and it was a return for the service he did him, in giving notice of his approach. Note, Those that honour God he will honour. Now here we have,

1. The objection that John made against baptizing Jesus, v. 14. John forbade him, as Peter did, when Christ went about to wash his feet, John xiii. 6, 8. Note, Christ's gracious condescensions are so surprising, as to appear at first incredible to the strongest believers; so deep and mysterious, that even they who know his mind well cannot soon find out the meaning of them, but, by reason of darkness, start objections against the will of Christ. John's modesty thinks this an honour too great for him to receive, and he expresses himself to Christ, just as his mother had done to Christ's mother (Luke i. 43); Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? John had now obtained a great name, and was universally respected: yet see how humble he is still! Note, God has further honours in reserve for those whose spirits continue low when their reputation rises.

(1.) John thinks it necessary that he should be baptized of Christ; I have need to be baptized of thee with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, as of fire, for that was Christ's baptism, v. 11. [1.] Though John was filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb (Luke i. 15), yet he acknowledges he had need to be baptized with that baptism. Note, They who have much of the Spirit of God, yet, while here, in this imperfect state, see that they have need of more, and need to apply themselves to Christ for more. [2.] John has need to be baptized, though he was the greatest that ever was born of woman; yet, being born of a woman, he is polluted, as others of Adam's seed are, and owns he had need of cleansing. Note, The purest souls are most sensible of their own remaining impurity, and seek most earnestly for spiritual washing. [3.] He has need to be baptized of Christ, who can do that for us, which no one else can, and which must be done for us, or we are undone. Note, The best and holiest of men have need of Christ, and the better they are, the more they see of that need. [4.] This was said before the multitude, who had a great veneration for John, and were ready to embrace him for the Messiah; yet he publicly owns that he had need to be baptized of Christ. Note, It is no disparagement to the greatest of men, to confess that they are undone without Christ and his grace. [5.] John was Christ's forerunner, and yet owns that he had need to be baptized of him. Note, Even they who were born before Christ in time depended on him, received from him, and had an eye to him. [6.] While John was dealing with others about their souls, observe how feelingly he speaks of the case of his own soul, I have need to be baptized of thee. Note, Ministers, who preach to others, and baptize others, are concerned to look to it that they preach to themselves, and be themselves baptized with the Holy Ghost. Take heed to thyself first; save thyself, 1 Tim. iv. 16.

(2.) He therefore thinks it very preposterous and absurd, that Christ should be baptized by him; Comest thou to me? Does the holy Jesus, that is separated from sinners, come to be baptized by a sinner, as a sinner, and among sinners? How can this be? Or what account can we give of it? Note, Christ's coming to us may well be wondered at.

2. The overruling of this objection (v. 15); Jesus said, Suffer it to be so now. Christ accepted his humility, but not his refusal; he will have the thing done; and it is fit that Christ should take his own method, though we do not understand it, nor can give a reason for it. See,

St-Takla.org Image: As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with Him.’ John told people, ‘When God sent me to baptize he told me, “When you see the Holy Spirit descending and resting upon someone—He is the one you are looking for. He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” I saw it happen to Jesus, and I testify that He is the Son of God.’ (John 1: 32-34) (Matthew 3: 16-17) (Mark 1: 10-11) (Luke 3: 21-22) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (9) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "وشهد يوحنا قائلا: «إني قد رأيت الروح نازلا مثل حمامة من السماء فاستقر عليه. وأنا لم أكن أعرفه، لكن الذي أرسلني لأعمد بالماء، ذاك قال لي: الذي ترى الروح نازلا ومستقرا عليه، فهذا هو الذي يعمد بالروح القدس. وأنا قد رأيت وشهدت أن هذا هو ابن الله»" (يوحنا 1: 32-34) - "فلما اعتمد يسوع صعد للوقت من الماء، وإذا السماوات قد انفتحت له، فرأى روح الله نازلا مثل حمامة وآتيا عليه، وصوت من السماوات قائلا: « هذا هو ابني الحبيب الذي به سررت»" (متى 3: 16-17) - "وللوقت وهو صاعد من الماء رأى السماوات قد انشقت، والروح مثل حمامة نازلا عليه. وكان صوت من السماوات: «أنت ابني الحبيب الذي به سررت»" (مرقس 1: 10-11) - "وإذ كان يصلي انفتحت السماء، ونزل عليه الروح القدس بهيئة جسمية مثل حمامة. وكان صوت من السماء قائلا: «أنت ابني الحبيب، بك سررت»" (لوقا 3: 21-22) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (9) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

St-Takla.org Image: As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with Him.’ John told people, ‘When God sent me to baptize he told me, “When you see the Holy Spirit descending and resting upon someone—He is the one you are looking for. He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” I saw it happen to Jesus, and I testify that He is the Son of God.’ (John 1: 32-34) (Matthew 3: 16-17) (Mark 1: 10-11) (Luke 3: 21-22) - "John baptizes Jesus" images set (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-22, John 1:6-34): image (9) - The Gospels, Bible illustrations by James Padgett (1931-2009), published by Sweet Media

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: "وشهد يوحنا قائلا: «إني قد رأيت الروح نازلا مثل حمامة من السماء فاستقر عليه. وأنا لم أكن أعرفه، لكن الذي أرسلني لأعمد بالماء، ذاك قال لي: الذي ترى الروح نازلا ومستقرا عليه، فهذا هو الذي يعمد بالروح القدس. وأنا قد رأيت وشهدت أن هذا هو ابن الله»" (يوحنا 1: 32-34) - "فلما اعتمد يسوع صعد للوقت من الماء، وإذا السماوات قد انفتحت له، فرأى روح الله نازلا مثل حمامة وآتيا عليه، وصوت من السماوات قائلا: « هذا هو ابني الحبيب الذي به سررت»" (متى 3: 16-17) - "وللوقت وهو صاعد من الماء رأى السماوات قد انشقت، والروح مثل حمامة نازلا عليه. وكان صوت من السماوات: «أنت ابني الحبيب الذي به سررت»" (مرقس 1: 10-11) - "وإذ كان يصلي انفتحت السماء، ونزل عليه الروح القدس بهيئة جسمية مثل حمامة. وكان صوت من السماء قائلا: «أنت ابني الحبيب، بك سررت»" (لوقا 3: 21-22) - مجموعة "يوحنا يعمد يسوع" (متى 3: 1-17, مرقس 1: 1-11, لوقا 3: 1-22, يوحنا 1: 6-34) - صورة (9) - صور الأناجيل الأربعة، رسم جيمز بادجيت (1931-2009)، إصدار شركة سويت ميديا

(1.) How Christ insisted upon it; It must be so now. He does not deny that John had need to be baptized of him, yet he will now be baptized of John. Aphes artiLet it be yet so; suffer it to be so now. Note, Every thing is beautiful in its season. But why now? Why yet? [1.] Christ is now in a state of humiliation: he has emptied himself, and made himself of no reputation. He is not only found in fashion as a man, but is made in the likeness of sinful flesh, and therefore now let him be baptized of John; as if he needed to be washed, though perfectly pure; and thus he was made sin for us, though he knew no sin. [2.] John's baptism is now in reputation, it is that by which God is now doing his work; that is the present dispensation, and therefore Jesus will now be baptized with water; but his baptizing with the Holy Ghost is reserved for hereafter, many days hence, Acts i. 5. John's baptism has now its day, and therefore honour must now be put upon that, and they who attend upon it must be encouraged. Note, They who are of greatest attainments in gifts and graces, should yet, in their place, bear their testimony to instituted ordinances, by a humble and diligent attendance on them, that they may give a good example to others. What we see God owns, and while we see he does so, we must own. John was now increasing, and therefore it must be thus yet; shortly he will decrease, and then it will be otherwise. [3.] It must be so now, because now is the time for Christ's appearing in public, and this will be a fair opportunity for it, See John i. 31-34. Thus he must be made manifest to Israel, and be signalized by wonders from heaven, in that act of his own, which was most condescending and self-abasing.

(2.) The reason he gives for it; Thus it becomes us to fulfil all righteousness. Note, [1.] There was a propriety in every thing that Christ did for us; it was all graceful (Heb. ii. 10; vii. 26); and we must study to do not only that which behoves us, but that which becomes us; not only that which is indispensably necessary, but that which is lovely, and of good report. [2.] Our Lord Jesus looked upon it as a thing well becoming him, to fulfil all righteousness, that is (as Dr. Whitby explains it), to own every divine institution, and to show his readiness to comply with all God's righteous precepts. Thus it becomes him to justify God, and approve his wisdom, in sending John to prepare his way by the baptism of repentance. Thus it becomes us to countenance and encourage every thing that is good, by pattern as well as precept. Christ often mentioned John and his baptism with honour, which that he might do the better, he was himself baptized. Thus Jesus began first to do, and then to teach; and his ministers must take the same method. Thus Christ filled up the righteousness of the ceremonial law, which consisted in divers washings; thus he recommended the gospel-ordinance of baptism to his church, put honour upon it, and showed what virtue he designed to put into it. It became Christ to submit to John's washing with water, because it was a divine appointment; but it became him to oppose the Pharisees' washing with water, because it was a human invention and imposition; and he justified his disciples in refusing to comply with it.

With the will of Christ, and this reason for it, John was entirely satisfied, and then he suffered him. The same modesty which made him at first decline the honour Christ offered him, now made him do the service Christ enjoined him. Note, No pretence of humility must make us decline our duty.

II. How solemnly Heaven was pleased to grace the baptism of Christ with a special display of glory (v. 16, 17); Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. Others that were baptized staid to confess their sins (v. 6); but Christ, having no sins to confess, went up immediately out of the water; so we read it, but not right: for it is apo tou hydatosfrom the water; from the brink of the river, to which he went down to be washed with water, that is, to have his head or face washed (John xiii. 9); for here is no mention of the putting off, or putting on, of his clothes, which circumstance would not have omitted, if he had been baptized naked. He went up straightway, as one that entered upon his work with the utmost cheerfulness and resolution; he would lose no time. How was he straitened till it was accomplished!

Now, when he was coming up out of the water, and all the company had their eye upon him,

1. Lo! the heavens were opened unto him, so as to discover something above and beyond the starry firmament, at least, to him. This was, (1.) To encourage him to go on in his undertaking, with the prospect of the glory and joy that were set before him. Heaven is opened to receive him, when he has finished the work he is now entering upon. (2.) To encourage us to receive him, and submit to him. Note, In and through Jesus Christ, the heavens are opened to the children of men, and you can find more about that here on st-takla.org on other commentaries and dictionary entries. Sin shut up heaven, put a stop to all friendly intercourse between God and man; but now Christ has opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Divine light and love are darted down upon the children of men, and we have boldness to enter into the holiest. We have receipts of mercy from God, we make returns of duty to God, and all by Jesus Christ, who is the ladder that had its foot on earth and its top in heaven, by whom alone it is that we have any comfortable correspondence with God, or any hope of getting to heaven at last. The heavens were opened when Christ was baptized, to teach us, that when we duly attend on God's ordinances, we may expect communion with him, and communications from him.

2. He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, or as a dove, and coming or lighting upon him. Christ saw it (Mark i. 10), and John saw it (John i. 33, 34), and it is probable that all the standers-by saw it; for this was intended to be his public inauguration. Observe,

(1.) He saw the Spirit of God descended, and lighted on him. In the beginning of the old world, the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters (Gen. i. 2), hovered as a bird upon the nest. So here, in the beginning of this new world, Christ, as God, needed not to receive the Holy Ghost, but it was foretold that the Spirit of the Lord should rest upon him (Isa. xi. 2; lxi. 1), and here he did so; for, [1.] He was to be a Prophet; and prophets always spoke by the Spirit of God, who came upon them. Christ was to execute the prophetic office, not by his divine nature (says Dr. Whitby), but by the afflatus of the Holy Spirit. [2.] He was to be the Head of the church; and the Spirit descended upon him, by him to be derived to all believers, in his gifts, graces, and comforts. The ointment on the head ran down to the skirts; Christ received gifts for men, that he might give gifts to men.

(2.) He descended on him like a dove; whether it was a real, living dove, or, as was usual in visions, the representation or similitude of a dove, is uncertain. If there must be a bodily shape (Luke iii. 22), it must not be that of a man, for the being seen in fashion as a man was peculiar to the second person: none therefore was more fit than the shape of one of the fowls of heaven (heaven being now opened), and of all fowl none was so significant as the dove. [1.] The Spirit of Christ is a dove-like spirit; not like a silly dove, without heart (Hos. vii. 11), but like an innocent dove, without gall. The Spirit descended, not in the shape of an eagle, which is, though a royal bird, yet a bird of prey, but in the shape of a dove, than which no creature is more harmless and inoffensive. Such was the Spirit of Christ: He shall not strive, nor cry; such must Christians be, harmless as doves. The dove is remarkable for her eyes; we find that both the eyes of Christ (Cant. v. 12), and the eyes of the church (Cant. i. 15; iv. 1), are compared to doves' eyes, for they have the same spirit. The dove mourns much (Isa. xxxviii. 14). Christ wept oft; and penitent souls are compared to doves of the valleys. [2.] The dove was the only fowl that was offered in sacrifice (Lev. i. 14), and Christ by the Spirit, the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God. [3.] The tidings of the decrease of Noah's flood were brought by a dove, with an olive-leaf in her mouth; fitly therefore are the glad tidings of peace with God brought by the Spirit as a dove. It speaks God's good will towards men; that his thoughts towards us are thoughts of good, and not evil. By the voice of the turtle heard in our land (Cant. ii. 12), the Chaldee paraphrase understands, the voice of the Holy Spirit. That God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, is a joyful message, which comes to us upon the wing, the wings of a dove.

St-Takla.org Image: Descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ, while John the Baptist baptizing Jesus - from the "Holman Bible", 1890 صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: نزول الروح القدس على السيد المسيح في المعمودية من يوحنا المعمدان - من صور "إنجيل هولمان"، 1890

St-Takla.org Image: Descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ, while John the Baptist baptizing Jesus - from the "Holman Bible", 1890

صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: نزول الروح القدس على السيد المسيح في المعمودية من يوحنا المعمدان - من صور "إنجيل هولمان"، 1890

3. To explain and complete this solemnity, there came a voice from heaven, which, we have reason to think, was heard by all that were present. The Holy Spirit manifested himself in the likeness of a dove, but God the Father by a voice; for when the law was given they saw no manner of similitude, only they heard a voice (Deut. iv. 12); and so this gospel came, and gospel indeed it is, the best news that ever came from heaven to earth; for it speaks plainly and fully God's favour to Christ, and us in him.

(1.) See here how God owns our Lord Jesus; This is my beloved Son. Observe, [1.] The relation he stood in to him; He is my Son. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, by eternal generation, as he was begotten of the Father before all the worlds (Col. i. 15; Heb. i. 3); and by supernatural conception; he was therefore called the Son of God, because he was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke i. 35); yet this is not all; he is the Son of God by special designation to the work and office of the world's Redeemer. He was sanctified and sealed, and sent upon that errand, brought up with the Father for it (Prov. viii. 30), appointed to it; I will make him my First-born, Ps. lxxxix. 27. [2.] The affection the Father had for him; He is my beloved Son; his dear Son, the Son of his love (Col. i. 13); he has lain in his bosom from all eternity (John i. 18), had been always his delight (Prov. viii. 30), but particularly as Mediator, and in undertaking the work of man's salvation, he was his beloved Son. He is my Elect, in whom my soul delights. See Isa. xlii. 1. Because he consented to the covenant of redemption, and delighted to do that will of God, therefore the Father loved him. John x. 17; iii. 35. Behold, then, behold, and wonder, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that he should deliver up him that was the Son of his love, to suffer and die for those that were the generation of his wrath; nay,and that he therefore loved him, because he laid down his life for the sheep! Now know we that he loved us, seeing he has not withheld his Son, his only Son, his Isaac whom he loved, but gave him to be a sacrifice for our sin.

(2.) See here how ready he is to own us in him: He is my beloved Son, not only with whom, but in whom, I am well pleased. He is pleased with all that are in him, and are united to him by faith. Hitherto God had been displeased with the children of men, but now his anger is turned away, and he has made us accepted in the Beloved, Eph. l. 6. Let all the world take notice, that this is the Peace-maker, the Days-man, who has laid his hand upon us both, and that there is no coming to God as a Father, but by him as Mediator, John xiv. 6. In him our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable, for his the Altar that sanctifies every gift, 1 Pet. ii. 5. Out of Christ, God is a consuming Fire, but, in Christ, a reconciled Father. This is the sum of the whole gospel; it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that God has declared, by a voice from heaven, that Jesus Christ is his beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased, with which we must by faith cheerfully concur, and say, that he is our beloved Saviour, in whom we are well pleased.

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Other commentaries and interpretations on the Book of Gospel of Matthew:
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