Беседа 12

“Then Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him.” (Matthew 3:13) John's baptism did not humiliate Christ. – Christ was baptized to fulfill the whole law. – Why did the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus after baptism? – Why did the Jews, who saw the descent of the Spirit, not believe in Christ? – The Holy Spirit now descends on everyone who is baptized. – Why did the Holy Spirit descend in the form of a dove. – The Holy Spirit is not lower in dignity than the Son of God. – Having completed Jewish baptism, Christ opened the door to New Testament baptism. – A Christian must lead a life worthy of the gift of baptism. – A believer must actually justify his teaching before the pagans and serve as an example for them. 1. The Lord is with the servants, the Judge is with the guilty and goes to be baptized. But do not be indignant at this: it is in this humility that His height especially shines. And why should we be surprised if He who was deigned to be in a virgin’s womb for so long, to be born with our nature, to accept strangulation and the cross, and to endure everything that He endured, was baptized and, together with others, came to the servant? It is wonderful that He, being God, wanted to become a man; everything else was already a consequence of this. That is why John said beforehand that he was not worthy to untie the thong of His boot (Luke 3:16); also that Christ is the Judge, will reward everyone with what they deserve and send down the Spirit in abundance to everyone, so that when you see Him going to baptism, you do not judge Him low. That is why, even when He came to be baptized, John restrained Him, saying: “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me” (Matthew 3:14)? Since John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, and brought people to the consciousness of sins, so that no one would think that Jesus was coming to the Jordan with the same intention, in warning of this John calls Him the Lamb and the Redeemer of the world from sin. He who could destroy the sins of the entire human race was himself, without a doubt, already sinless. That is why John did not say: behold, the sinless one! but, what is much more important: “takes [on] himself the sin of the world” - so that at the same time you are convinced, and having been convinced, you see that he comes to baptism for some other purpose. That is why John said to Christ who came to him: “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” Didn’t say: Do you want to be baptized by me? He didn't dare say that either. But what did he say? “And do you come to me”? What about Christ? He did the same thing here as he did with Peter later. And this one did not allow Him to wash His feet, but when he heard: “What I do, now you do not know, but you will understand later”; also: “You have no part with Me” (John 13:7–8), - he immediately abandoned his stubbornness and showed obedience. In the same way, John, hearing: “Leave now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15), he immediately obeyed. Both of them - Peter and John - were not stubborn, but showed love and obedience, and tried to obey the Lord in everything. Look how Jesus convinces John with the very thing that made him especially at a loss: he did not say that justice requires it, but: “this is how it should be” (so decent). While John considered it very indecent for Him to accept baptism from a slave, He, on the contrary, points out to him the complete propriety of this, as if saying: is it not because you shirk and renounce this because you find it indecent? On the contrary, it is quite decent, and therefore leave it. And he didn’t just say: “leave”, but added: “now”. This will not always happen, He says; on the contrary, you will see Me in the state in which you want to see me, but now wait for it. Further, Christ shows why this is decent. Why is this decent? Because we must fulfill the whole law, which He meant by the words: “all righteousness,” since righteousness is the fulfillment of the commandments. Since we, they say, have already fulfilled all the other commandments, and only this one remains, we must add this too. I have come to resolve the oath that lies upon you for breaking the law; Therefore, I must first fulfill the entire law myself and free you from condemnation, and thus terminate the operation of the law. So I must fulfill the whole law, because I must loose the curse that is written against you in the law. This is why I took on flesh and came into the world. “Then [John] admits Him. And having been baptized, Jesus immediately came out of the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and descending on Him” (Matthew 3:15–16). 2. Naturally, the people revered John much higher than Christ. He spent his entire life in the desert, was the son of a bishop, wore extraordinary clothes, called everyone to baptism, and moreover, was born from a barren mother; Jesus came from an unnoble girl (his birth from a Virgin was not yet known to everyone), was brought up in a house, treated everyone and wore ordinary clothes. Since no one yet knew the ineffable secrets of the economy, they considered Christ lesser. The baptism of John could have confirmed the Jews even more in this opinion, even if they had no other motives for it. They thought of Jesus that He was one of the ordinary people. If He were an extraordinary person, they reasoned, He would not have come to be baptized along with others. On the contrary, John was in their eyes much more and more amazing than Him. That is why, so that such a thought does not become established among the people, immediately, after the baptism of Jesus, the heavens are opened, the Spirit descends, and together with the Spirit a voice proclaims the dignity of Jesus as the Only Begotten. And since this voice: “This is my beloved Son” (Matt. 3:17) seemed to many to refer to John, because it was not added: this one being baptized, but it simply said “this one”; and both by the very dignity of the Baptist, and by all the above circumstances, everyone who heard these words more naturally applied them to the one who baptized than to the one being baptized - then the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove to turn his voice to Jesus, and to show everyone that the word “this” was not said about John who baptized, but about Jesus who was baptized. Why, they will say, despite such an event, did the Jews not believe in Him? Because of his hardness of heart. In the same way, under Moses there were many miracles, although not so great; but the people, after all these miracles, after the voices and trumpets and lightning, poured themselves a calf and clung to Beelphegor. And the same ones who were at the baptism subsequently saw the resurrection of Lazarus; and yet, not only did they not believe in the One who performed this miracle, but they also repeatedly attempted to kill Him. So, if they, seeing with their own eyes the resurrection of the dead, persisted to such an extent in evil and unbelief, then why be surprised if they did not believe the voice that descended from above? When the soul is in a state of insensibility and corruption, and is possessed by the disease of envy, then it is not convinced by any miracle. On the contrary, when the soul is grateful, then it accepts everything with faith, and even has no special need for miracles. So don't ask why they didn't believe; but consider better whether everything that was necessary to win them over to the faith was not done. This is shown by God Himself when, through the mouth of a prophet, He defends everything that He has done for their good. When the Jews were threatened with destruction and the final punishment, so that someone would not blame Providence for their corruption, He says: “What else should have been done for My vineyard that I did not do to it” (Is. 5:4)? So here too, consider what else should have been and was not? And whenever such discussions about God’s providence occur, always use this image of defense against those who dare to accuse him of people’s vices. Look, what miracles are being performed, and what the beginnings of the future are being revealed: after all, it is not paradise, but heaven itself that is opening. However, we will postpone speech against the Jews until another time; and now, with the assistance of God, let us turn to what follows. “And Jesus having been baptized, immediately came out of the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him.” Why did the heavens open? So that you know that the same thing happens at your baptism; then God calls you to the heavenly fatherland, and convinces you to no longer have anything in common with the earth. You don't see it, but don't doubt it anyway. Sensory visions of wondrous and spiritual things and all similar signs appear only at the beginning, and then for rude people and those who cannot contain any thought about an incorporeal being, and are amazed only by the visible, and therefore have a need for sensual visions; but this also happens for the purpose of accepting with faith what was once confirmed by miracles in the beginning, even if these miracles no longer happened. So at the meeting of the apostles there was the sound of stormy breathing, and visions of fiery tongues appeared - not for the apostles themselves, but for the Jews who were then with them. Meanwhile, we also accept what was once confirmed by miracles, although there are no more tangible signs. So at baptism, a dove appeared in order to indicate to those present and to John, as if with a finger, the Son of God, and at the same time so that you would know that when you are baptized, the Holy Spirit descends. 3. But we no longer need sensory vision, because for us, instead of all the signs, faith alone is enough; signs are given not for believers, but for unbelievers. Why did the Holy Spirit appear in the form of a dove? Because the dove is a meek and pure animal. And since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of meekness, He appeared in this form. In addition, this phenomenon reminds us of ancient history. When a general flood engulfed the entire universe, and our race was in danger of complete extermination, then this bird appeared and made it known that the flood had ended, and, bringing an olive branch, brought the good news of general silence in the universe. All this was a prototype of the future. Then people were in a worse condition, and deserved much greater punishment. Therefore, so that you do not despair, Scripture brings this story to your memory. And at that time, despite the most desperate state of affairs, there was some relief from disasters and restoration; then this happened through punishment, but now through grace and the unspeakable gift. Therefore, the dove does not appear with an olive branch, but points us to the Liberator from all evils and gives us good hopes. She does not bring just one person out of the ark, but she brings the entire universe into heaven, and instead of the olive branch, she brings adoption to the entire human race. Imagining the greatness of this gift, do not diminish in your thoughts the dignity of the Holy Spirit just because He appeared in such an image. I have heard some say that there is the same difference between Christ and the Holy Spirit as there is between a man and a dove, because this one appeared in human nature, and this one in the form of a dove. What should we say to this? The fact that the Son of God took on human nature, but the Holy Spirit did not take on the nature of a dove. That is why the evangelist did not say: in the nature of a dove, but “in the form” of a dove. Yes, except for this case, after that He never appeared in this form. Further, if for this reason alone you consider Him lesser in dignity, then for the same reason the cherubim will be better than Him, and, moreover, as many times as an eagle is superior to a dove, because they appeared in the form of eagles. Likewise, the angels will be better than Him, because they too often appeared in human form. But let it not be, let it not be! It is another thing to become a true man, another thing to appear temporarily in some form. So, do not be ungrateful to your Benefactor, and do not repay evil for good to the one who gave you the source of bliss. Where there is the dignity of adoption, there is the removal of all evils and the bestowal of all blessings. That is why Jewish baptism is canceled, and ours receives a beginning. What happened with Easter, the same happens with baptism. Just as there Christ, having celebrated both Easter Passovers, canceled one and gave rise to the other, so here, having fulfilled the baptism of the Jews, he opened the doors to the baptism of the New Testament Church. As there, in one supper, so here in one river, he drew a shadow and presented the truth. Only our baptism has the grace of the Holy Spirit; John's baptism did not have such a gift. That is why nothing like this happened during the baptism of other people, but only happened to Him who had to give this gift, so that in addition to what has been said above, you would also know that it was not the purity of the baptizer, but the power of the baptized person that produced this. Then the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended. So Christ is already leading us from the ancient way of life to a new one, opening the gates of heaven for us and sending down from there the Holy Spirit, Who calls us to the heavenly fatherland; and not only calls, but also invests us with the highest dignity: makes us not angels and archangels, but beloved sons of God. Thus He draws us to that heavenly possession. 4. Imagining all this, show a life worthy of the love of the caller, and the heavenly community, and the honor bestowed upon you. Having crucified the world and crucified the world to yourself, try with all diligence to live as they live in heaven. Do not think that you have anything in common with the earth, because your body has not yet ascended to heaven; your head is there - in heaven. For this reason, the Lord descended to earth and sent down angels with Him, and then, having received you, ascended to heaven, so that you, even before your ascension there, would be convinced that you can live on earth as in heaven. Let us therefore continually maintain the dignity which we received at the beginning; Let us strive daily for the heavenly palaces, and consider everything earthly as a shadow and a dream. In fact, if some earthly king unexpectedly adopted you, poor and beggarly, you would not even think about your poor hut, although there is still not much difference between the two. So don’t think about anything else, because you are called to much more important benefits. The one who calls you is the Lord of the angels, and the benefits bestowed on you are beyond all words and understanding. He does not move you from earth to earth, like the king of the earth, but from earth to heaven, and from mortal nature into immortal and ineffable glory, which will only be revealed to us in its true form when we enjoy it. Hoping to receive such benefits, will you really still remember about money and cling to earthly dreams? Are you really not convinced that everything visible is of less value than a beggar’s rags? How can you prove yourself worthy of such a great honor? What excuse will you give? Or is it better, what kind of punishment will you not suffer for the fact that after such a gift you again run to the same vomit? After all, you will be punished for your sins not just as a man, but as a son of God, and the greatness of honor will only serve you to greater punishment. And we do not equally punish guilty slaves and children for the same offenses, especially if they have been greatly benefited by us. And if the one to whom paradise was given as an inheritance, for one disobedience after a great honor, was subjected to such calamities, then we, who have received heaven and become joint heirs of the Only Begotten, can we ask for forgiveness when, leaving the dove behind, we hasten to the serpent? No, we will no longer hear: “You are dust and to dust you will return” or “you will till the earth” (Gen. 3:19), and other things that were once said to Adam, but we are threatened with much more severe punishments - pitch darkness, unbreakable bonds, a poisonous worm, gnashing of teeth; and on business. Anyone who, even after such a benefit, does not become better, in all fairness should be subjected to the last and most severe punishment. Elijah once opened and closed the sky in order to bring down and hold back rain; and heaven is opened for you so that you can ascend there, and not only ascend yourself, but - what is much more important - also bring others with you, if you want. This is the kind of boldness and power the Lord has given you in all His blessings! So, if our house is there, then let us put all our property there, and leave nothing here, so as not to lose it. Here - on earth - even if you locked your property with a key, even if you attached doors and bolts, even if you assigned a thousand guards and protected it from all evildoers, even if you hid it from the gaze of envious people, even if you protected it even from moths and from the damage caused by time, which, however, is impossible - you still will not escape, sooner or later, death; and all this will be taken away from you in an instant, and not only taken away, but also delivered into the hands of your enemies. If you transfer your property to the house of heaven, you will be completely safe. You will not need any locks, no doors, no constipations. Such is the strength of that city; that place is so inaccessible for predators; so inviolable from corruption, and protected from all evil intent. 5. Isn’t it extreme madness to collect everything there, where everything put in place decays and perishes, and where everything remains inviolable, and even grows, and not put the slightest part there? And this is done by us, who must live there forever. That is why the pagans do not believe our words. They want to see evidence of our teaching about the future life, not in words, but in our deeds. Seeing that we are building luxurious houses, establishing gardens and baths, buying fields, they do not want to believe that we are preparing to move to another heavenly city. If this were so, they say, then the Christians would have exchanged everything they had here for silver and sent there in advance. This is what they conclude from what usually happens in the world. In fact, we see that rich people build houses, buy fields and everything else in the cities in which they intend to live. Meanwhile, we are doing the opposite. We are trying with all our might to acquire land, and for a few acres of land and houses we not only spare no money, but even shed blood; and to acquire heaven we do not want to sacrifice the surplus itself, whereas we could buy it for a small price, and, having bought it, possess it forever. That is why we will undergo extreme punishment if we come there naked and poor; and not only for our own poverty will we endure unbearable torment, but especially for the fact that we have drawn others into a similar state. In fact, if the pagans see that we, having been granted great sacraments, are attached to earthly things, then all the more will they themselves cling to them. Through this we ourselves gather the strongest fire on our heads. We should teach them to despise everything visible, but we, instead of all others, arouse in them a passion for it. How can we be saved when we must be tortured for the death of others? Don’t you know that Christ commanded us to be salt and lamps in this world, so that we would strengthen those weakened by voluptuousness and enlighten those darkened by worries about wealth? If we plunge them into even greater darkness, and only weaken them even more, then what hope of salvation remains for us? Absolutely nothing, but with a cry and gnashing of teeth, bound hand and foot, we will be thrown into the fire of Gehenna, after we are already exhausted here with worries about wealth. So, having thought about all this, let us break all the bonds of seduction through the love of money, so that we do not fall into those bonds that will drag us into the unquenchable fire. He who is a slave to wealth will always be in bondage both here and there; and he who does not have this passion will be free both here and there. In order for us to achieve this freedom, let us break the heavy yoke of love of money and be lifted up to heaven by the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. You might be interested in: