6th September 2023
The baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then John consented.
Matthew 3:13-15 (NIVUK)
The book of Matthew introduces us to John the Baptist who was announcing “Heaven’s kingdom is about to appear …” ( Matthew 3:2 TPT). Matthew tells us that this fulfils the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3: ‘A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God…” ’ (ESV).
Many were coming from the surrounding region to repent and be baptised by John, who makes a
special announcement: “I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out…” (Matthew 3:11 MSG). Then Jesus arrived at the Jordan River and wanted John to baptise him: ‘John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!” But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it. The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” ’ (vv.13-17).
Jesus, the perfect man, and God in the flesh, didn’t need baptism for sin, but he accepted baptism because ‘…it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.’ (v.15 NIVUK). Matthew emphasises Jesus is God’s faithful Son who brings restoration and launches God’s kingdom—to invite people to turn from their own way and return to God’s ways.
The Hebrew word for repentance is teshuva and is from the root word shuv meaning ‘return’, it implies: ‘movement from one thing or place to another. There is a further, deeper meaning – to repent or turn back to God. This can mean to return to the beginnings – to God Himself.’ The corresponding word for ‘repentance’ in the New Testament is the Greek word metanoia with the meaning, in its simplest terms, ‘a change of mind’.
Let’s live our lives reflecting this reality—ask the Father for his awesome love to flow through us in what we do and how we react to others as we go about our daily lives. This is what our loving God has always desired for all of us: ‘ “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart …” ’ (Joel 2:12).
Prayer
Loving Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, thank you for providing the Scriptures so that we can learn about your plan to have us all living in a loving relationship with you, and each other, enjoying your creation forever. Thank you so much in s name, Amen.
Study by Stuart Bellini
About the writer:
Stuart Bellini is a member of Grace Communion International, Scotland.
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church