Matthew 3:13-17, Psalm 2:7-8
Jesus was baptized?
What? Why?
Baptism is a sign of a number of things. While it is for us a public declaration of the repentance of sinfulness - something the Bible implies was not necessary for Jesus - it is also a sign of the acceptance of God.
God the Father is clear in declaring Jesus as his, that Jesus is worthy, loved, and accepted. At the very beginning of his earthly ministry, Jesus made this public declaration by seeking baptism. It is somewhat of an initiation, the mark of a steadfast resolution to be for God and God’s way, mission, and purpose. None of this would be possible for Jesus - or us when we’re baptized - except for the affirmation of God by his grace and righteousness. Baptism is the baptized’s choice, but is only completed by the work of God in that individual’s life. Christ leads us in this way.
Remember your own baptism this morning as you read Matthew’s account of Jesus’. Recall and live into God’s affirmation upon your life.
Matthew 3:13-17
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “Allow me to be baptized now. This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.”
So John agreed to baptize Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.”
Psalm 2:7-8
I will announce the Lord’s decision:
He said to me, “You are my son,
today I have become your father.
Just ask me,
and I will make the nations your possession;
the far corners of the earth will be your property.
Prayer
God -
Thank you for this day.
At Christ’s baptism, you affirmed your call upon his life. I confess that quite often I feel inadequate to believe you’d have the same idea for me. Yet this is our faith - that you love and have accepted even me.
So help me this day to remember your love for me and through me. Love me again, Lord. Help me know, feel, realize, and actualize your love for me in my life, even as you do Christ.
By your Spirit and in Christ, Amen.