Matthew 3:13-17

****Week 1 Memory Verse****

In those days John the Baptist came preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,  and saying,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”

Matthew 3:1-3

 

 

READ MATTHEW 3:13-17!

 

Jesus' Baptism

Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized at the start of his public Ministry.  John knew that Jesus didn’t need to be baptized by him for forgiveness of sins and that he was unworthy to baptize Him.  Jesus told John “to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt 3:15).

Baptism is the public proclamation that we have decided to joyfully follow the Lord. (Rom 6:4).  I have read that Jesus was baptized so that He could identify with sinners.  I don’t think that is true.  I think He was baptized to show God that He was willingly taking on the burden of the cross.  His baptism also gave credibility to John’s ministry.  (John 1:33).

Immediately after John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended upon him.  And God proclaimed that Jesus was indeed His Son (Matt 3:17).  In these few verses, we see God; the Father, God; the Son and God; the Holy Spirit.  This gave proof that Jesus was the promised Messiah and that He was indeed the Son of God!

Jesus was the perfect example to us in all things.  We willingly follow him into baptism so that, just as it began His ministry, we can publicly proclaim our desire to start living for God.  The Bible gives us several examples of the urgency and importance of getting baptized as soon as possible.
(Acts 2:41, Acts 19:5, Romans 6:4)
 

TIME OF REFLECTION:

Do you remember the joy you felt when you were first saved?  Do you remember the happiness of being baptized and publicly announcing your desire to follow Christ?  Doing God’s work is always good, but joyfully doing God’s work is what He desires of us.  Just as we were so joyful to follow Him in baptism, we should strive to joyfully follow him in all of His teachings.

 
Think of some areas in your life where you begrudgingly (however slightly) serve the Lord and work, this day, to making it a source of joy and not of labor.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  DALE CHANCE is the husband of 16 years to Naomi, and Father to 4 children.  He attends Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where he serves in the Sound & Media Ministry.