Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 3:13-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. Verse 14John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Verse 15But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. Verse 16And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. Verse 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
Devotion
John is taken aback by Jesus’ request: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Here is prophetic John, whose bold proclamation of the coming Lord turns to genuine surprise when he stands before Jesus and is asked to be a part of the divine drama through baptism. A-ha! Now the prophecy has become reality; the Word is fulfilled!
Isn’t that the dramatic moment in our own baptism as well? Through water and the Word, you became an integral part of the sacred story. God’s promise has become real and personal for you. God says, “You are my beloved son/daughter and I have plans for you!” You may be surprised by what God asks of you, but you will be equipped (commissioned for ministry) through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
O Lord our God, who enlivens us with a calling, stir up within us an excitement of the new thing you are doing through Christ. Give us good courage to act on it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.