Click here for Matthew 3 audio:
Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
John the Baptist steps onto the scene like a voice from the Old Testament—living in the wilderness (v. 1), dressed wildly in clothes made out of camel hair and eating locusts (v. 4), and preaching with power. His message was simple but urgent: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 2). Crowds came to the Jordan River to confess their sins and be baptized (vv. 5–6), preparing their hearts for the coming King. But when the religious leaders showed up with pride and no repentance, John warned them that real change—not just religious talk—is what God wants (vv. 7–10).
Then Jesus came—not to call others to repent, but to be baptized Himself (v. 13). John was shocked (v. 14). But Jesus wasn’t repenting—He was identifying with us. His baptism was a sign that He would fulfill all righteousness and stand in our place (v. 15). As He came out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove (v. 16), and the Father spoke from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (v. 17). The King had arrived—and the Trinity was present in full.
🌀 Reflection:
Jesus was perfect, but He still chose to be baptized to stand in our place. How does that deepen your understanding of His love for you?
💬 Mission Challenge:
Share with someone why Jesus’ baptism matters. Talk about how He identified with us—and how we now follow Him in baptism and obedience.
Just Keith Harris 
1 Comment