Text: Matthew 3:1-17
When your thoughts turn to God throughout the day, what’s your general perception?
Do you view Him as the high and mighty King of the Universe? As the One who is on the throne, surrounded by hosts of angels crying, “holy, holy, holy”?1
These truths of God’s transcendence and sovereignty are vital. However, a vision of God that is limited to this perspective will leave us lacking the further blessings of the imminent and intimate divine qualities. Just as astonishing as His supremacy is the reality that He is a Father, a friend, an advocate, and a “very present help in times of trouble.”2
The Israelites in Jesus’ day were mindful of God’s supremacy and power, but for most there was little to no sense of nearness or relationship. Denominations within Judaism included the Pharisees who thought it was all about their meticulous ladder-climbing and the Sadducees were focused on rituals and class distinctions. This left the majority of the population feeling inferior and worthless.
With the stunning outbreak of John the Baptist’s ministry, huge numbers flocked to learn that the only way to cross this chasm was through repentance before God and trusting in Him for the forgiveness of their sins. So, they came into the wilderness to hear John’s preaching and to be baptised, identifying themselves as sinners seeking the kingdom of God.
Then, Jesus enters the scene. He, surrounded by a host of sinful Israelites, comes to John to be baptised by him. John is baffled – it doesn’t make sense!
Why did Jesus get baptised, knowing that He was without sin and therefore without need of repentance? One of many reasons is this: Jesus identified Himself with sinful humanity.
In His baptism, Jesus got in the water with a group of people who were seeking the kingdom of God. He could have just looked on and preached repentance from far off. Instead, Jesus came close and got in the water with the sinful humanity whom He came to save. We see Jesus, God’s righteous servant, being numbered with the transgressors.3 His gentle and humble heart is on display as He draws near to fallen people like you and me.
Are you prone to view God as too holy for you, and yourself as unworthy to be called His child? Maybe you feel like Jesus wouldn’t understand you in your sin or in your suffering? This can keep us withdrawn from Him. Call this to mind: Jesus got down in the water to stand amongst sinners, and He did so for you.
Wonderfully, Jesus’ place as God’s “beloved Son”4 becomes ours. In His baptism (and later His temptation in the wilderness), Jesus is shown to be a righteous, faithful Son who stands in the stead of sinners. Through His work on the cross, He gives us His status as “beloved [children], with whom [God is] well pleased.”5
So, friend, come to Him today in thankfulness that He first drew near to you. Ask for faith to see that the holy King is the very One who delights to be by your side.
When your thoughts turn to God throughout the day, what’s your general perception?
Do you view Him as the high and mighty King of the Universe? As the One who is on the throne, surrounded by hosts of angels crying, “holy, holy, holy”?1
These truths of God’s transcendence and sovereignty are vital. However, a vision of God that is limited to this perspective will leave us lacking the further blessings of the imminent and intimate divine qualities. Just as astonishing as His supremacy is the reality that He is a Father, a friend, an advocate, and a “very present help in times of trouble.”2
The Israelites in Jesus’ day were mindful of God’s supremacy and power, but for most there was little to no sense of nearness or relationship. Denominations within Judaism included the Pharisees who thought it was all about their meticulous ladder-climbing and the Sadducees were focused on rituals and class distinctions. This left the majority of the population feeling inferior and worthless.
With the stunning outbreak of John the Baptist’s ministry, huge numbers flocked to learn that the only way to cross this chasm was through repentance before God and trusting in Him for the forgiveness of their sins. So, they came into the wilderness to hear John’s preaching and to be baptised, identifying themselves as sinners seeking the kingdom of God.
Then, Jesus enters the scene. He, surrounded by a host of sinful Israelites, comes to John to be baptised by him. John is baffled – it doesn’t make sense!
Why did Jesus get baptised, knowing that He was without sin and therefore without need of repentance? One of many reasons is this: Jesus identified Himself with sinful humanity.
In His baptism, Jesus got in the water with a group of people who were seeking the kingdom of God. He could have just looked on and preached repentance from far off. Instead, Jesus came close and got in the water with the sinful humanity whom He came to save. We see Jesus, God’s righteous servant, being numbered with the transgressors.3 His gentle and humble heart is on display as He draws near to fallen people like you and me.
Are you prone to view God as too holy for you, and yourself as unworthy to be called His child? Maybe you feel like Jesus wouldn’t understand you in your sin or in your suffering? This can keep us withdrawn from Him. Call this to mind: Jesus got down in the water to stand amongst sinners, and He did so for you.
Wonderfully, Jesus’ place as God’s “beloved Son”4 becomes ours. In His baptism (and later His temptation in the wilderness), Jesus is shown to be a righteous, faithful Son who stands in the stead of sinners. Through His work on the cross, He gives us His status as “beloved [children], with whom [God is] well pleased.”5
So, friend, come to Him today in thankfulness that He first drew near to you. Ask for faith to see that the holy King is the very One who delights to be by your side.
1. Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8
2. Psalm 46:1
3. See Isaiah 53:11-12 regarding the Suffering Servant figure.
4. Matthew 3:17
5. Matthew 3:17
2. Psalm 46:1
3. See Isaiah 53:11-12 regarding the Suffering Servant figure.
4. Matthew 3:17
5. Matthew 3:17