February 4 - Jesus’ Baptism

 Matthew 3

“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” preached John the Baptist.  Jesus came to John at the Jordan River to be baptized.   John said that he needed to be baptized by Him.  Jesus wanted John to baptize him---“Permit it…for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  After Jesus was baptized the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended as a dove on Him, and a voice from the heaven sad, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!”  The Trinity was present---God the Father in the Voice, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, as the dove.

We’ll hear those words again in Matthew 17:5, during the transfiguration, when God again says, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  Listen to Him.”

God is so proud of His Son. What a sight.  Feast your eyes on that vision---Jesus dripping wet---shining in the sunlight—the dove, sparkling white, and the loud bold voice of God the Father declaring Jesus to be His Son.  The people there were probably falling on their knees--or maybe on their faces.  What have they just witnessed?  Sinless Jesus fulfilling righteousness. Only through Him can we even be considered righteous.   

This photo is of friends being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel.

Lord, you are beloved to me.  By your grace and love, I am renewed daily in your righteousness.