Scripture
Matthew 3:15 – But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
Observation –
Jesus is responding to John the Baptist saying that Jesus should baptize him. John knows that Jesus is sinless and doesn’t need to be baptized as he had no need of repentance. Jesus tells John that it needs to be done now as a sign and John agrees.
Application –
Recognizing my sin and repenting is heart change that then leads to changed behavior in response to the love of Christ. Jesus was baptized as a sign of submission to God that was pleasing to Him and Jesus received the Holy Spirit. Being baptized is an outward sign of surrender to the Lordship of Jesus as we follow His example of baptism to receive the Spirit and become a child of God.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus so we can repent to have a relationship where we can know you and live to make you known. Thank you for Jesus modeling the outward submission of faith in baptism and your indwelling Spirit to guide us in wisdom, discernment and love.