December 6th – Matthew 3:11-17
Spend some time meditating on Jesus’ baptism. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response.
- Request God’s help.
- Read Matthew 3:11-17
- Record a verse that stands out to you.
- Respond to God.
Come back and read the commentary when you’re done…
John knew the baptism he offered was symbolic and pointed to a more significant, spiritual baptism. In Matthew 3:11, he said, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (NIV). Then something remarkable happened. Jesus entered the water to be baptized by John the Baptist! At first, John was confused and resisted. But Jesus was not deterred and said, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15 NIV). Mind blown.
How is Jesus’ baptism with water similar to Moses’ “baptism” as he walked on dry ground through the Red Sea?
My Verses: Matthew 3:16-17 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (NIV).
My Response: In front of everyone who came to be baptized in the Jordan, God declared Jesus to be His Son. The Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and God spoke! What an earth-shattering moment that must have been! The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove were together, three in one. This was Jesus’ coronation. His crown was firmly established, and the announcement was made––Jesus is the Messiah, the King, The Son of God.
Father, You are so awesome! Just reading this fills me with awe and wonder. I pray for ears to hear and eyes to see what You are doing in my midst. I cannot grasp the idea that Pharisees were present and yet did not believe. Perhaps they ran away after being called a brood of vipers? Either way, they knew the truth and rejected Your Son. Please Give me a spirit of discernment and wisdom so I can receive You wholeheartedly when You make Yourself known. Amen.
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Vs 17 “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” I love how You chose to be baptized, Lord, even though You were without sin or need of repentance! It was, I think, a sign of submission to the Father, for You did all He told You while You inhabited an earthly body. And God’s response to God-in-flesh was great joy! What a mystery. And what an example of willing submission for us to follow. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for emptying Yourself and becoming a man for us!