“But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’”
Matthew 3:14-15
Imagine the star hitter comes to bat with the potential winning run on first base. Rather than try for the game-winning hit, he lays down a bunt. He’s out, but the runner is now in scoring position. It’s called a sacrifice because essentially he gave up a turn at bat. He “took one for the team” so the team could win.
Baptism was for those who needed to repent. Jesus had no need to repent and be baptized. So why was He baptized? It’s hard to fully grasp what He meant when He declared that this was the proper thing to do to “fulfill all righteousness.” He became like us in every way except without sin. He could have refused baptism and claimed His perfect goodness, but He sacrificed the opportunity to do so. Instead, in love, Jesus came down in perfect obedience to the Father to take our shame and guilt upon Himself, to put us right with God.
Jesus’ baptism showed that He dedicated Himself fully to God’s will. He was willing to give up everything for you and me. He “took one for the team” and came out victorious for us.
Baptism was for those who needed to repent. Jesus had no need to repent and be baptized. So why was He baptized? It’s hard to fully grasp what He meant when He declared that this was the proper thing to do to “fulfill all righteousness.” He became like us in every way except without sin. He could have refused baptism and claimed His perfect goodness, but He sacrificed the opportunity to do so. Instead, in love, Jesus came down in perfect obedience to the Father to take our shame and guilt upon Himself, to put us right with God.
Jesus’ baptism showed that He dedicated Himself fully to God’s will. He was willing to give up everything for you and me. He “took one for the team” and came out victorious for us.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 3:1-17
Insight
“What wondrous love is this, O my soul…/ That caused the Lord of bliss/ To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!” (American Folk Hymn, c. 1835)
Bible In A Year
- Obadiah
- Proverbs 20
- 2 John
