Jesus Was Baptized, v. 21
A. Publicly
B. As an Example of His Death and Resurrection
Jesus Was Praying, v. 21b
A. Prayer is the antecedent to spiritual:
- blessing
- power
- authority
B. Illustration
The 60-story John Hancock Tower in Boston is a magnificent piece of architecture. But it also is plagued by one of the more mysterious problems in skyscraper history. Shortly after its completion in 1972, dozens of its windows began popping out. 4 by 11 foot panes of glass came hurtling earthward and shattered on the street below.
The life insurance company, in an attempt to remedy the situation, replaced all 10,334 windows with 400 pound sections of half-inch tempered glass. But the windows kept popping out.
The mystery remains unsolved and windows continue to fall.
The solution? Two permanent guards now stand watch on the sidewalk. Their sole responsibility is to look upward and spot the cracked panes before they tumble to the ground.
We Christians are called by God to be constantly alert. The world in which we live can be dangerous. Temptations are hurtling toward us, threatening to smash into our lives and destroy us.
One of the ways God protects us is by commanding us to pray. We, like the guards, should be ever looking upward toward the Father for wisdom and strength.
Jesus Was Anointed, v. 22
A. The Holy Spirit provides gifts for ministry.
B. Jesus was given to save all the sons of Adam.
C. Jesus received a threefold affirmation of His ministry:
- at baptism, v. 22
- at the Transfiguration, Luke 9:35
- in the Temple during the Passion Week, John 12:28
Conclusion
Christian, have you been baptized? If not, remember you are no better than the Master.
Christian, are you praying? If not, could that be the reason you are so weak spiritually?
Christian, are you ministering? If not, remember you have been anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry. Repent and minister!