Matthew 3:13-17
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.””
“Then Jesus came…” Earlier in Matthew we saw that God was working His plan to perfection in sending His only begotten Son to this earth as a baby. Jesus has grown now and this marks the beginning of His earthly ministry. Jesus was probably 30 years old at this time and would spend His time pleasing the Father all the way to the Cross. He would live a perfect sinless life, the life that we cannot live, so that He could be our sacrificial Lamb and take our sins on Himself. Then the “Great Exchange” happened! He gives us His perfect life and takes our imperfect life and pays our debt that we could not pay. By faith we accept His sacrifice for us and receive eternal life with God. Aren’t you glad he came!!!
God the Father affirms this with the “voice from heaven…”This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” No doubt! This Jesus who we believe in is God in the flesh and is returning soon to make all things right and bring everlasting peace on this earth. Are you looking forward to Jesus’ second coming?
Prayer: Thank you for coming Lord Jesus. I need you. I am a mess. I need You today to be my righteousness. I need you to impart Your life and righteousness to me. I have none on my own. Thank you for pleasing the Father with Your obedience so that I can please Him with Yours. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for living in me. Thank you for the power You give me over my sin. Help me to utilize it today. Amen