Matthew 3-4
John the Baptist, representing the Old Testament, calls Israel to repent so as to be restored from the Times of the Gentiles (Isa. 40-66) in the appearance of the Davidic King. He identifies the Scribes and Pharisees as the ones who had caused the exile through disobedience in rejecting God. It is these Jews who will act on behalf of Satan and the Gentile rulers to oppose God. John the Baptist calls the Scribes and Pharisees “seeds of serpents,” which refers to them as followers (“seeds”) of their disobedient fathers (serpents) who followed the original serpent (Satan).
Jesus, at His baptism, is confirmed by the Hero of the Biblical Story (God), as the Christ (Ps. 2) and the Davidic King (Isaiah 42:1) in the voice from heaven (God identifying Jesus as the Son of Psalm 2:7). This “Son” is the One who will destroy the Gentiles (Psalm 2:8-9) and establish rule back to the Father.
The sides are set. Herod (Rome) is ruling on behalf of Satan. Israel has succumbed also to the rule of Satan and is seeking to destroy Jesus and this is implemented through the Scribes and the Pharisees. God delivers His Ruler temporarily from Herod and introduces Him at His baptism as the One who will overthrow the Gentiles.
Dr. Charles Baylis
Video
Audio
Commentary
Links & Sources
TeachMeTheBible.com - Dr. David Klingler
The Spring Church Sermons - Prof Caleb Foley
Traceway Church Sermons - Dr. Nathan Tullos
TheBiblicalStory.org - Dr. Charles Baylis
