INTRODUCTION
Over the next few years I will be taking my readers on a journey through the New Testament Gospels of the four Evangelists. A lot of people do not have the time to read Scripture on a regular basis nor read long blogs. I will try to keep these short. I begin with the Gospel of Matthew. Look to future blogs this year that will begin with Gospel of Matthew…..
MATTHEW 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
REFLECTION:
John the Baptist baptism is a baptism of repentance. John is hesitant to baptize Jesus because he recognizes Jesus is the Lamb of God in no need of forgiveness. But John obeys Jesus’ will even if he doesn’t fully understand the request. Are we ready to do the same when Jesus asks something of us?
Jesus knows how important it is to human beings to set examples. No one but John had any true insight into who Jesus is. Jesus insists John baptizes Him so others may imitate Him in the baptism of repentance…
Repent and believe in the Gospel…
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus takes on the sins of the world… sin has no more dominion over mankind…we now can repent too and have our sins washed clean, thanks to Jesus…He has shown us the way!
The Spirit of God descended like a dove in blessing and affirmation…a Savior is here….The Father affirms the Son’s mission…”This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased…
Thank you, Jesus, for being my Savior…help me turn to you and away from sin…help me to know my mission in this life and accept it so that I may come home to you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit for all eternity…Amen