JANUARY 16, Matthew 3:13-17 

Why does Jesus, who is God, need to be baptized? John’s baptism was a baptism for those who repented of their sins and wanted to be forgiven. Jesus was sinless. There was nothing, no sins, for Him to repent of. John himself was puzzled as to why the Lord would seek baptism from him.

The Lord Jesus told John the reason why He had to be baptized. Jesus said that He needed to be baptized in order “to fulfil all righteousness.” As 100% Man, Jesus wanted to offer His Father full obedience. God the Son obeyed God the Father and humbly submitted Himself to do His will. Can you imagine, the Eternal God willing to be baptized by a mortal man? Such humility and love, no one can give except the Lord Jesus. In the end, we are not surprised to hear the Father’s commendation, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

God is three persons in one God. We can see the three persons of the Godhead in this baptism scene of Jesus. Who did the following:

1. Who commanded Jesus to be baptized? 
2. Who was baptized? 
3. Who descended like a dove on Jesus as He was baptized? 

Thought: Jesus is our perfect representative.

Prayer: Heavenly Father , thank You for Jesus ’full obedience to be the perfect sacrifice for my sins, for without that, we will not have salvation. May I learn from His humility and have that in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.