‘Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.’ Matthew 3:13-15(NLT)
‘He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.’ Psalms 23:3(NLT)
‘One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”’ Mark 1:9-11(NLT)
‘One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy. ”’ Luke 3:21-22(NLT)
‘The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God. ”’ John 1:29-34(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
The righteous one stood before John and asked to be baptized. Jesus leads us in the paths of righteousness by living it and humbly walking in the way that we ought to walk. Our Shepherd leads us in the “paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3). He is our example of perfect obedience and desires that we follow in His footsteps. He produces such obedience in those who trust in Him.
Will you follow your tender shepherd? Enabled by Him, will you walk in the path of righteousness, in complete obedience to Him? Have you confessed your sin and surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If so, have you been baptized? If you say that you are a Christian and have not followed in Christian baptism, you are not following in obedience to Christ and His Word. If you are a believer and have been baptized, are you living as though you have died and now you live for Christ alone?
GOING DEEPER
Read Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:29-34. What is God’s response to His Son as He obediently followed in submission to His Father’s will and fulfilled all righteousness?
Jesus set an example for us to follow. Even though He was perfect and needed no forgiveness, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus, the Son, was King and though fully God, submitted as God’s Son to His Father’s will by becoming like us. And it is only because Jesus has identified Himself with us that our obedience is even possible.
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Can you imagine yourself standing at the edge of the Jordan, dripping wet, and turning your head to see Jesus himself being baptized after you? What would go through your mind? What are your thoughts and feelings toward your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Who is He to you? Reflect on these questions and close in prayer.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 3