Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”
But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he permitted Him. After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:14-17
I remember being baptized as a new Christian. God used that experience in some very significant ways in my life… mostly resulting in boldness and a great desire for holy living. What an amazing exchange between John the Baptist and Jesus. What an amazing act of humility by Jesus. I love that He is our example and model in all things. Jesus commands us to be baptized just like He was. In doing so, we are fulfilling what is right. Its a sign of obedience and our affiliation with Him (His life, death and resurrection) and our way of saying “He matters to me… what He accomplished on the cross applies to me”.
When was I baptized? In 1981 in Lake Perris.
God, what a blessing it is to see people every week make the life changing decision to follow You and demonstrate their allegiance by being baptized. It never gets old and and is always inspiring. May many turn to You this weekend… and even tonight at our prayer service.
