God Told John That Jesus Is The Son Of God Study Guide

Study Guide: God Told John That Jesus Is The Son Of God.

Subject: Biblical Studies / New Testament

Topics:

• The Baptism of Jesus: Divine Proclamation

• The Mount of Transfiguration: Confirmation and Witnesses

• The Meaning of Baptism and Repentance

Summary: 

This study guide focuses on the two pivotal New Testament events—the Baptism of Jesus and the Transfiguration—where God the Father spoke audibly from heaven to confirm that Jesus is His Son. 

It explores the specific messages given, the witnesses present at each event, and the foundational meaning of Christian baptism and repentance as established by these events.

Key Concepts:

• Dual Divine Confirmation: The article emphasizes that God confirmed Jesus's identity as the Son of God on two distinct occasions: at the River Jordan during His baptism, and later on the Mount of Transfiguration. This duality establishes Jesus's identity through multiple divine and human witnesses.

• The Purpose of Jesus's Baptism: Jesus was not baptized to repent for His own sins, but rather to 'set the example' for His followers and to 'fulfill all righteousness.' This act affirmed His commitment to God's will and established the pattern for believers.

• Witnesses to Jesus's Identity:

  • At the Baptism: John the Baptist witnessed the Spirit descending 'like a dove' and heard the voice from heaven.

  • At the Transfiguration: The disciples Peter, James, and John witnessed the event, and the prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.

• The Voice's Messages:

• Baptism Quote: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

• Transfiguration Quote: "This is my beloved Son. Hear him. I'm pleased with him." (The added command 'Hear him' underscores Jesus's authority as a teacher).

Vocabulary List:

• Baptism (Immersion): Means 'to be immersed in water' or 'to be dipped in water.' It is a sign that a person has repented of their sins and is committed to following God.

• Repentance: A commitment that must precede baptism for followers of Jesus. It is defined as confessing sins, telling God one is sorry, and 'turning away from doing sins.'

• Fulfill All Righteousness: The reason Jesus gave for needing to be baptized; it means conforming to God's standard of moral perfection and justice.

• Spirit of God: The Holy Spirit, which descended visibly upon Jesus in the form of a dove immediately after His baptism.

Key Questions (For Active Recall):

• What specific three-part quote was heard by the disciples at the Transfiguration?

• Who were the two heavenly prophets seen with Jesus, and what might they represent theologically?

• Explain the two essential steps of repentance that must occur before a person is baptized.

• Why did John the Baptist initially try to prevent Jesus from baptizing him?

• What is the ultimate, unifying takeaway or main idea that the article emphasizes from both the Baptism and Transfiguration events?