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Matthew 3:13-17
with thanks to page sponsor 2014:
With deep gratitude
that the Light shines in the darkness.
Rev. Damon Anderson, Pastor & Spiritual Director

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Comparative texts about Baptism: Water & Spirit from DSS, Josephus, Babylonian Talmud. At (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "John Baptizes Jesus," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Chapter CIII, Dialogue With Trypho, Justin Martyr. (c 160)
  • III.IX.3, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter VII, Chapter IX, On Baptism,  Tertullian (c. 198)
  • III.25, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 209)
  • Chapter XVII, On the Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter III, On the Flesh of Christ, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter XIX, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • II.LXXII, Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246)
  • Augustine's Sermon II: "Concerning the Trinity."
  • Homily XII - Matthew 3:13, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, St. Chrysostom (c. 380)
  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Matthew 3:13-17/Mark 1:9-11/Luke 3:21-23.
  • From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
  • "'This Is My Son, the Beloved': Sermon on the Baptism of Jesus, The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6, 1534)," Martin Luther, Word & World, 1996.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Christ sanctified our baptism in himself."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Christ's gracious condescensions are so surprising, that even the strongest believers at first can hardly believe them; so deep and mysterious, that even those who know his mind well, are apt to start objections against the will of Christ."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Let our Lord's submitting to baptism teach us a holy exactness in the observance of those institutions which owe their obligation merely to a Divine command."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "...we cannot doubt that it was this permanent and perfect resting of the Holy Ghost upon the Son of God--now and henceforward in His official capacity--that was here visibly manifested."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Three times God speaks from heaven in connection with the ministry of Christ--at his baptism, his transfiguration, and in the temple just before his suffering."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Matthew 3:13-17, Warren Carter, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • "Two related questions need to be addressed for interpreting this passage: Is it about our baptism or is it about Jesus' baptism?"
  • "A Family Name," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2017.
  • "Thin Place, Deep Water," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2017.
  • Commentary, Matthew 3:13-17 | Ben Cremer | Pastor, Euclid Ave. Church of the Nazarene; Adjunct Professor, NNU | A Plain Account, 2017
    • "This is the christening of Jesus as the Christ; our messiah. As Matthew writes on, we see Jesus, the Word of God filled with the Spirit of God, bringing order to chaos, remission of sins, and establishing righteousness in order to reconcile all the world to God."
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • "You Are All My Beloved," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2017.
  • "Fulfilling All Righteousness," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2017.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017.
  • "Patterns," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2017.
  • "Shining Light into Darkness," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2016.
    • "In his baptism Jesus was making a public declaration that he was going to take the side of God's justice. He was going to set about promoting God's work of righting the wrongs and lifting the burdens from the oppressed."
  • Commentary, Matthew 3:13-17, Karyn Wiseman, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
    • "Water is one of the most powerful elements on the face of the planet."
  • "Baptism, Righteousness, and the War on Poverty: A 2014 Epiphany," Roger Nam, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2014. (Video: LBJ's War on Poverty 50 Years Later)
  • "Baptismal Problems and Promises," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2014.
    • "Never before have so many been willing to offer our people an identity, most often linked to a product being sold. And whether you are young or old, rich or poor, steeped in the faith or relatively new, we all crave a sense of identity and so are all too susceptible to such false promises."
  • "Openings and Obfuscations," Michael Coffey, 2014.
  • "Cousins," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2014.
    • "John the Baptist and Jesus are cousins in the same way that judgment and grace are cousins."
  • "Come to the Water," David Sellery, 2014.
  • "Resistance and Permission," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2014.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2014.
  • "The Selfie," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2014.
    • "We understand baptism as a sacrament of the community, yet perhaps the mystery and holiness of it are in the Selfie, in the image that moves into the heart and mind of each of us, when an expected – or unexpected – act of baptism occurs."
  • "Baby Jesus or Baptized Jesus?" Russell Rathbun, Question the Text, 2014.
  • The Lectionary Lab, The Baptism of the Lord, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • "With Jesus in the Baptismal Waters," Bob Cornwall, 2014.
  • "The Work of Christmas Is Begun," Andrew Prior, 2014.
  • "A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break," Steve Godfrey, Church in the World, 2014.
    • "The truth is we are all reeds and we all have our bruises."
  • "Jesus - Who Simply Stood with Sinners," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2014.
    • "What do you think Jesus means when he says to John that this is the way to fulfill all righteousness?"
  • "No Turning Back," Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2014.
  • Comentario del San Mateo 3:13-17 por Elizabeth Careca Gareca, WorkingPreacher, 2014.
  • Commentary, Matthew 3:13-17, Eric Barreto, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "As if on cue, Jesus sets foot on the stage immediately after John's contrast of his baptism and the superior baptism which is to come."
  • Matthew 3:13-17, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Proper 1A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Baptism of Jesus, audio telling, digital presentation, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Baptism of Jesus," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "In other words, Matthew focuses our attention on Jesus as one before whom we shall have to give account. Whether we think of that in traditional terms of a day of judgement or in more existential ways, the message is clear: in facing up to him we are to face up to ourselves."
  • "The Power of a Good Name," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2011.
    • "And today we learn that we, like Jesus, discover who we are by hearing once again whose we are, God's own beloved child."
  • "A Way Without Violence," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2011.
    • "What does it mean that Jesus insists that John baptizes him for the forgiveness of sin to fulfill all proper righteousness?"
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
    • "God is putting the imprimatur on Jesus.  In the way of Jesus, in his service on behalf of sinners, in his identification with sinners, we see the expressed desire of God himself."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "Using the image of 'making the world all right' for righteousness -- then wherever there are human needs, the world is not all right, and it needs "fixing"."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Matthew 3:13-17, David Ewart, 2011.
  • "Fulfilling of righteousness requires letting go of our personal sense of what is right and proper in order to let it be God's will that is fulfilled. For Jesus, as at the end, so too at the beginning: a deep and profound aligning of his heart and will with the will and Spirit of God."
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 1A. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • "When we say that Jesus is God's son, going about the family business, we are saying not only that Jesus is like God; we are saying that God is like Jesus."
  • Commentary, Matthew 3:13-17, Brad R. Braxton, The African American Lectionary, 2008.
    • "For many Christians, the word righteousness evokes thoughts of personal piety and the state of a person?s ?soul? or conscience before God... Yet often the Christian tradition has emphasized the personal aspects of righteousness to the exclusion of the political aspects of righteousness."
  • "Baptism of Jesus," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "In our baptism, similar things happen to us as happened to Jesus when he was baptized: 1) The Spirit of God comes into us and remains in us. 2) We are declared to be a child of God. 3) We hear that God is well pleased with us."
  • "Wading into the Waters: The Baptism of Jesus," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
    • "Why do you think Jesus submitted himself to John's baptism?"
  • "The Baptism of Our Lord: Matthew 3:13-17," Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany, Carol Mork, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1989.
  • Matthew in the Margins, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "The Baptism of Jesus," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
    • "The dove (possibly a sign of Israel), and the words of the Father (Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1, again referring to the Servant Israel), depict Jesus' particular messianic role. How does this effect us?"
  • "My Beloved Son," Andrew Marr, OSB.
    • "Far from receiving a royal anointing that, by definition, could not be shared, Jesus received an anointing that, by definition, must be shared, that must be available to all."
  • "A Public Act," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "How do you prepare to step out into the public spotlight? How do you act once you are out in public view?"
  • "John the Baptist," "Baptism of Jesus," wikipedia.
  • "The Meaning of Vocation," A.J. Conyers, (other resources at) "Vocation," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
    • "'Vocation' is distorted by two disastrous misunderstandings: a secularized idea of 'career' and a monastic concept of the religious life."
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bowens, Lisa M., "The Role of John the Baptist in Matthew's Gospel," Word & World, 2010.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    
  • Braxton, Brad Ronnell, "Ready for Revolution," The Christian Century, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Connors, Andrew Foster, "Matthew 3:13-17," Interpretation, 2010.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Freeman, Curtis W., "Between Text and Sermon, Matthew 3:13-17," Interpretation, 1993.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gibbs, Jeffrey A., "Israel Standing with Israel: The Baptism of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel (Matt 3:13-17)," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps," Concordia Journal, 2010. (Section on this text begins on page 369)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps on LW Series A," Concordia Journal, 2004. (Section on this text begins on page 395.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Luther, Martin, "'This Is My Son, the Beloved': Sermon on the Baptism of Jesus, The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6, 1534)," Word & World, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McDonnell, Kilian, O.S.B., "Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan," Theological Studies, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mork, Carol, "Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany," Word & World, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mouw, Richard J., "Baptism and the Salvific Status of Children: An Examination of Some Intra-Reformed Debates," Calvin Theological Journal, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Norris, Kathleen, "Marked for a Purpose," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Patterson, Richard D., "Parental Love As a Metaphor for Divine-Human Love," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Vinson, Richard, "'King of the Jews': Kingship and Anti-Kingship Rhetoric in Matthew's Birth, Baptism, and Transfiguration Narratives," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wainwright, Elaine, "Reading Matthew 3-4: Jesus--Sage, Seer, Sophia, Son of God," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Secret Identity," the Very Rev. Barkley Thompson (TEC), Day 1, 2014.
  • "The River," the Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard, Day 1, 2011.
  • "Baptism Made Real," the Rev. Randy Calvo, Day 1, 2008.
  • "Baptism? What Do We Teach?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "How's The Water?" the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, Day 1.
  • "May the Force Be With You," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle.
  • Baptism of the Lord, 2011, Andrew M. Greeley, Homilies.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, The Baptism of the Lord, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2014. 2011.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," January 12, 2014, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Matthew 3:13-17 and There by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick. 2011.
  • "John the Baptist," "Jesus' Baptism and Ministry," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Child, I'm Proud of You," and "Growing in Faith," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "It Is Written!" The Children's Chapel.
  • "Jesus Is Baptized by John in the River Jordan," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Jesus Is Baptized and Brings the Good News," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
• Drama:
  • "Slam Dunk," Nina Wallestad, Dramatic License. Conditions of Use.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Matthew 3:14, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Baptism of Christ, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Matthew 3:13-17, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Matthew 3:13-17, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • "Down by the Jordan," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, LOBE DEN HERREN 14 14.478.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Matthew 3:13, 16. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • "When Jesus Came from Galilee," TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Matthew 3:13-27. TUNE: "Martyrdom," by Hugh Wilson (1800). New Hymns for the Lectionary.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • John the Baptist
  • Baptism of Jesus/Baptism
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • John the Baptist Types
  • Baptism
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Matthew

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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