Point of Grace Worship 1.7.24 – Sermon Notes – Epiphany and The Baptism of Jesus

Epiphany – “to shine light on” - to reveal   

Mark 1:1-11
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 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. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

What is being ‘revealed’ through John’s message and ministry?       

-          “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins……. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”

-           And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I,… I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

We will never really “get” Jesus unless we “get” our need for Jesus!

                         Jesus has made possible forgiveness of sins  and life in the Spirit.

 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

        2Cor.5 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and
the Spirit descending on (into) him like a dove. 

11 And a voice came from heaven:
              “You are my Son,                            (identity)
                whom I love;                                  (love)
                with you I am well pleased.”     (approval)

In baptism I am “clothed with Christ” so that “in Christ” these same declarations are over me.

We get identity as forgiven, loved, approved and Spirit-filled children of God.  It is all a gift because of Jesus!