The focus of Matthew 3 is on John the
Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus.
Jesus was not baptized for repentance
for sin because Jesus never sinned. To fulfill
all righteousness means to accomplish God’s mission. Jesus saw his baptism as advancing God’s
work. Jesus was baptized because:
- He was confessing sin on behalf of the nation, as Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses, and Daniel had done.
- He was showing support for what John was doing.
- He was inaugurating his public ministry.
- He was identifying with the penitent people of God.
Jesus, the perfect man, didn’t need
baptism for sin, but he accepted baptism in obedient service to the Father, and
God showed his approval.
The Father made it known that he was
“well pleased” with his son. It is a
successful life when it is lived to please God.
It was Jesus’ purpose, and it ought to be ours as well. As Christians, we have been baptized into
Christ. We did not let anything
“prevent” us from being baptized. It is
God’s command, and we revered him in keeping it. When we did so, he washed away our sins. It pleased the Father to take away our sins
and receive us into his house by his grace.
Prayer:
Gracious and all wise Heavenly Father, Thank you for having John baptize
Jesus. This reminds me that baptism is
about my relationship with you and not about who baptizes whom. Thank you for Jesus’ example of living only
to please you and accomplish your will.
Please fill my heart with that same resolve and empower it by that same
spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Cecilia
Richey
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