Matthew 3

There are so many things in Matthew 3 that had me thinking and truly wanting to dig into and focus on this one chapter â€" which is something that I don’t know if I have ever done before myself. And within this story of Jesus’ baptism, I found more than just one story…

The image we receive of John the Baptist is that of a true man of God: humbly serving and obediently following where God leads him. John did not worry about what others thought of him - what he wore, what he ate, or where he lived and worked. He spoke the truth to those who opposed God and offered a solution to those who were willing to hear â€" The message of repentance…a changed life. Baptisms were the result of John’s preaching. It is the visual representation and proclamation to others that we choose life and will be adopted into a family like no other.

Jesus came to John with the request to be baptized. I would probably feel about like John did, totally unworthy and in need of some clarification. Jesus provides His answer in verse 15:

ESV: “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

NLT: “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”

John then baptized Jesus and immediately, because of Jesus’ obedience and His humble submission to His Father’s plan, the heavens opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and in v17 the voice from heaven said “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus was sinless, yet He allowed John to baptize Him according to His Father’s plan. And God, as a proud Father, acknowledged His Son’s obedience and recognized His humility.

As Christians, we are all called to be humbly obedient. We may be called to do certain things that we feel unequipped to do, just as John felt, but through God’s grace and guidance we are equipped. God will call us to do some things that we may not feel comfortable with, but we need to step out there with faith and allow God to use us as He sees fit. Serving our big God and submitting to His will may not always be easy, but His will is far better than mine could ever be.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the examples we have that exhibit obedience. Thank you for reminding me that Your will is perfect, help me understand how to let go of my plans and welcome Yours. I ask for guidance as I release my desires and wishes to you, I trade my selfishness and imperfect way for your perfect plan and future. I ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Chris Haby

Chris is an acitve member of Hutto Bible Church. He and his wife Jacki are the proud parents of two boys, Brennan & Liam. Chris & Jacki both serve faithfully as preschool teachers in our Children's Ministry.