A Look At Prophecy In The Gospel of Matthew
Can We Need Anything Less?
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Matthew 3:13-17 NLT
Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[a]” So John agreed to baptize him.
After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Footnote: a. Or for we must fulfill all righteousness.
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1. JESUS INSISTS ON CARRYING OUT WHAT GOD REQUIRES
John needed Jesus' baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, but Jesus insisted that John baptize him in water. From a human stand point you could argue that neither one need baptized. John was born filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had no need for the baptism of repentance. But somehow this was required by God.
Was it an act of obedience?
Was it repentance from inbred sin as a human being?
Was it a presentation of Himself to God?
A turning to his given ministry and away from self sufficient living?
Somehow in the annals of salvation and redemption it was required. It was a fulfillment of the Father's will, which is what prophecy is about.
2. GREETED BY GOD WITH A BAPTISM BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus' and John's obedience was greet by God with a baptism by the Holy Spirit. Like in Acts, the Spirit descended and set on the Christ!
Can we need any less?
Is this not part of the example we are called to follow?
Is this why, for so many, baptism is a conscious call from God that they are required to do?
And this obedience was followed by an affirmation of sonship and God's pleasure in his son.
3. HAS YOUR OBEDIENCE BEEN FOLLOWED BY AN AFFIRMATION OF YOUR SONSHIP/DAUGHTERHOOD AND GOD SPEAKING HIS PLEASURE IN YOU??
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21 NIV
Photo Credits:
Man Carrying Premature Baby by Tina Stallard, all rights reserved @gettyimages.com
Father and Son by small_from, all rights reserved @gettyimages.com
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