Matthew 3:13-17, The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 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;17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Comments

Why did Jesus get baptized when he was sinless? He chose to identify openly with the penitent, purified people of God. John himself was horrified, He wanted Jesus to baptize him, the greater blessing the lesser. However, righteousness is not about being “good”; it’s an obedient relationship with God.

Jesus’ baptism was a pivotal experience that launched him on the mission for which he had long prepared. It did not change him or make him something that he was not already.

All four Gospels mention the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove. The opening of heaven meant God specifically acknowledged Jesus as his Son. At the threshold of Jesus’ ministry, he was both Son of God and Suffering Servant.

Application/Reflection

The same words spoken by God at Jesus’ baptism, he speaks to each of us who come to faith in Christ: “You are my child and I am pleased.” Do you think of yourself as a beloved child of God? In prayer today, listen for God to speak these words to you.

Prayer

Eternal God, heavenly Father, speak your words of affirmation over me today that I may know my body to be a temple of your Spirit; keep me, I most humbly beseech you, to be holy in thought, word, and deed, that at the last I, with all the pure in heart, may see you and be made like Jesus in your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ my Lord.