GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Presentation of Jesus: Mt 3,13-17
Traditionally, this scene is known as the baptism of Jesus. As we read, we can consider why it might be better regarded as the presentation of Jesus to the people.
Read these verses and compare them with Mark 1,9-11. Note the addition Matthew has made to Mark as well as the significant change. How does this scene divide into two parts?
There is a parallel between 3,13 and 3,1 which may not be apparent in the translations. Whilst there are parallels between John and Jesus, as we saw in verse 11, Jesus is superior to John. How therefore do verses 14 and 15 address this issue?
Who is speaking in verse 15; what is special about this statement? What do you think is meant by "fulfill all righteousness"? For "fulfill", see, for example, 1,22 and 2,23. For "righteousness" in this context, see 5,6 and 6,33. We will be exploring these two words further when we read the Sermon on the Mount.
Verses 16-17 then describe the consequences of the baptism. For the heavens opening, see Is 64,1 and Ezekiel 1,1. The spirit of God descending like a dove may reflect Gen 1,2. See also Isaish 42,1 which prepares for what follows.
Verse 17 then is the climax of this scene with the voice from heaven. Is 42,1 is behind this verse as we have now seen, so too is Psalm 2,7. Compared with Mark 1,11, how has the reference to Ps 2,7 become less clear and that of Is 42,1 become more clear?
Consider the implications of Matthew's alteration of the voice in Mark for this scene.
Looking at verses 16 and 17, note just Matthew has changed. Consider how the baptism of Jesus is similar in both Mark and Matthew.
Now go to my response.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Liturgy
As the Church tends to read Matthew as the primary Gospel, Matthew's voice from heaven saying "this is my Son" has become dominant in Church tradition. In consequence this scene is celebrated every year as the Baptism of the Lord and it is regard as part of the feast of the Epiphany. Like the Epiphany, it is the presentation of Jesus to his people.
The testing of Jesus in the desert now follows. It is really a continuation of the baptism scene but we find it told in the next chapter. We can now make our overview of chapter 4..