Summary
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. (V.13)
Sinless Jesus was the one person in history who had no need for repentance. Yet, His first step in beginning public ministry is a baptism from John. The man most qualified to stand above the crowd calling for repentance was instead down in Jordan River identifying himself with unclean sinners. In shameless solidarity with his people, Jesus shows them their need for salvation and his plan to “fulfill all righteousness” by bearing their sin. Much like the Creation narrative in the beginning of Genesis, the Trinity is seen in what amounts to a “new beginning”. The heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus, and God the Father speaks. In the “first” beginning the triune God said “lets us make man.” As this gospel begins, the message is “let us save man”. When the Father speaks He is declaring His Son’s anointing as the Savior-King who has been.
Bible References
- Matthew 3:13 - 17
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