The Baptism of Jesus
Read Matthew 3:13–17. What important truths can we learn from the story of Jesus’ baptism by John?
The significance of Christ’s baptism cannot be overemphasized. First, by requesting baptism, Jesus was identifying Himself with sinners. He who was not in need of baptism requested it—not for Himself but for us, for our benefit, and by so doing He left an example for those who want to follow Him. But His baptism was more than an example; it made it possible for us to be joined to Him through our baptism and to receive the benefits of His at the hands of John.
Second, as Jesus was coming out of the water, He knelt down and prayed to the Father (Luke 3:21, 22). The Bible does not record the content of that prayer, but the answer given by the Father gives us an idea of its content. By declaring, “ ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’ ” (vs. 22, NIV). God was telling Him that His prayer was heard. More so, “To every one of us they are words of hope and mercy. Through faith in the provision God has made in the behalf of man, you are accepted in the Beloved—accepted through the merits of Jesus.”—Ellen G. White, The Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, Nov. 12, 1894.
What great hope can you find for yourself in those words by Ellen White?
Third, the Godhead was involved and present in the baptism of Jesus. The Father’s voice was heard from heaven, and the presence of the Holy Spirit made Himself visible through the symbol of a dove. God’s love was flowing down to His Son as a member of the human race, accepting Him as its representative. Humans were no longer separated from the love of God, because in Christ a channel through which divine love could reach them was found.
| What is the essential message to us from today’s lesson about how we, though fallen, can have acceptance with God? Is that acceptance found in ourselves, in how well we perform or keep the commandments, or in Jesus? Why must we always keep that answer before us, especially on “bad days”? |
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