Affirmation
Opening Prayer
Ask God to help you hear him above distractions as you read today’s passage.
Read Matthew 3:13-17
[13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. [14] But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” [15] Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. [16] As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. [17] And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What happens when Jesus is baptized?When kings, queens, or presidents are crowned or sworn in, it is always done in public so that the people can see who is governing them. Something similar happens with the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist knows that Jesus is the chosen Messiah and wonders why he needs to be baptized (14). But it has to be done in the right way–in public. John’s preaching attracts crowds of eager, excited, and noisy people, and the banks of the River Jordan are lined with chattering onlookers. But this is to be a baptism like no other. Jesus is not just another preacher but the Anointed One of God. So, in front of all the crowds, God declares him to be his Son (17), and the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, breaks out of the heavens and descends toward Jesus as a dove (16). When we are baptized as adults or are confirmed (according to our church practice), we are affirming in public that we are followers of Jesus and that by the power of the Holy Spirit–that same Spirit who descended upon Jesus at his baptism–we can, and will, proclaim his message.
Apply
How have you affirmed your Christian credentials in public? Do the people in your life know of your allegiance to Jesus?
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to display to others by my words and actions that You have rescued me and desire to rescue many more.
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