Today's passage covers Jesus' baptism. The primary purpose of the baptisms John was doing, which we read about earlier this week, was for repentance, so it is easy to understand why he misunderstood why Jesus was coming to him to be baptized. But since Jesus was sinless, repentance was not the purpose of Jesus' baptism. Instead, there was another purpose for baptism identified in Exodus 40:12-13. This washing was for the consecration of the priests, to include Aaron the High Priest. Jesus is our High Priest. While we are sinners for whom baptism symbolizes washing away our sins, we also follow Jesus' example and are baptized into His royal priesthood. Let the word of God cause you to understand more deeply the life and actions of Jesus our Savior, and challenge us to be more Christ-like everyday.

Matthew 3:13-15

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Where was John and what was he doing when Jesus came to him? [v13]

+ Why did John say what he did to Jesus? [v14]

+ What reason did Jesus give as to why He should be baptized? [v15]

+ After hearing this, what did John do? [v15]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ John's message of repentance, which Jesus would later echo, is still critical for us today. God is ready to forgive and cleanse us of the sin we confess.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?
+ We are all called to be baptized. Are you or someone you are walking with considering baptism? Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of baptism to be able to answer questions others may have? Reach out to us--we'd love to talk to you more about this!