Matthew 3:16-17 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The baptism of Jesus by the Holy Ghost.

After receiving John's baptism, Jesus "went up straightway from the water." He did not remain to make confession of sin, and for the obvious reason that he had none. He went up "from the water," or ascended the outer hank of the Jordan; for John appears to have ministered his baptism within the double bank of that river. Then "lo, the heavens were opened unto him," etc. An interval is here clearly marked between the baptism of John and that of the Holy Ghost, to show that the baptisms are distinct. The latter was the true baptism of Jesus.

I. THE SCENE MANIFESTED THE BLESSED TRINITY .

1 . Here is Jesus , declared to be the Son of God.

2 . He is so declared by the voice of the Father.

3 . The Spirit of the Father rests upon the Son.

II. THE BAPTISM INTRODUCED JESUS INTO HIS PROPHETIC OFFICE .

1. As to the fact

2. As to the form.

3 . As to the effect.

III. THIS BAPTISM WAS THE FIRST ACT IN THE CONSECRATION OF JESUS TO HIS PRIESTHOOD .

1 . In the complete consecration the baptisms are three.

2 . We are here concerned with the first of these.