JOHN THE BAPTIST / Part 2

A study of Matthew 3:1-12

B. What John performed (3:5-6)
John’s work in the desert was to prepare the people of Israel for their Messiah. Large numbers came to him from Jerusalem and all Judea. His work was that of baptizing in the Jordan those who confessed their sins (3:6). Contrary to what many believe, this baptism was not the first time baptism took place.  In Heb. 9:10, we see the Jews practice “various baptisms.” Baptism was a part of the Mosaic system of worship (Exodus 19; Leviticus 15; Numbers 19). This was nothing new.  Hudson points out that “John’s ministry centered on truth that was obviously common ground to the Jews of that day.” [Baptism in the Bible, 77] When John was confronted they did not want to know the significance of his baptism, but his authority to do so (John 1:25).  They understood the meaning for it was a baptism of purification. In the Old Testament, baptism is connected with washing, cleansing or consecration. In Leviticus 15:8, the unclean had to wash to be restored into fellowship. This baptism did not equate with salvation, but was an act of purification.
The passage does not teach baptismal regeneration. Rather it was a response to faith and confession of sin of a covenant people. This baptism “was not making them God’s people; they were already that by the covenant, but was calling them back to fellowship and blessing.” [Gospels, 28] John was like the prophet Isaiah proclaiming, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean…” (Isa. 1:16).  Bultema notes that, “Since John was living under the old covenant; his baptism was an old covenant affair, Jewish mass purification for the Messiah and his rule and kingdom.” [Bible and Baptism, 40] Constable is careful to note that, “John’s baptism did not make a person a member of the church, the Body of Christ, since the church had not yet come into existence.” [Notes on Matthew, 50] It was a religious rite done in conjunction with the confession of sin that was proper for Jews to do as preparation of the kingdom under the old dispensation and covenant. Purification baptism was common in Israel, especially of Gentile converts. Some hold that John is treating the Jews as Gentiles. However, the text does not indicate that that John was making proselytes of those who responded. He was purifying them for the coming kingdom. It must have been both humiliating and humbling for a Jew to respond to John’s message of confession and baptism. In light of their departure from the covenant and in the light of the coming kingdom, was it not appropriate for them to partake in this act of purification? It is estimated that between 200,000 and 500,000 responded to the message and work of John the Baptist. Josephus reports that John was so popular that Antipas feared a popular uprising (Ant. 18.118).