Jesus is Baptized

 

Then Jesus came fromGalilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have preventedhim, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesusanswered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill allrighteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately hewent up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he sawthe Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold,a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am wellpleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17, English Standard Version)

Only two and a half weeks ago, we celebrated the birthof Jesus, and now, in just a blink of an eye, just like with our own sons, thattiny baby is a grown man.  

We always think of baptism as a way of washing awayour sins, so why was Jesus baptized if He was sinless? When I went looking forthat answer, I found more than I had anticipated. Such as: Jesus was baptizedto show humility and set an example for others, to fulfill all righteousness,to show God confirming Jesus was His Son, and to be able to begin His ministry.

I don’t know. All of those reasons are probablyaccurate, but I’m all about keeping it simple. Jesus had to be baptized becauseeven though He would never sin, He became one of us when He came to earth. Butthe part I focus on is when God says to Jesus, “This is my beloved Child who Iam pleased with.”

I want to be a beloved child, too. I want to pleaseGod and hear Him say those words to me someday when I meet Him in heaven.