The Humble King Who Identifies With Us
Matt 3:13-15: “Then Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptised by John.” John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need to be baptised by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus replied, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Jesus had no sin to repent of. So why was He baptised? He was fully identifying with sinners like us – stepping into the place we deserve. He was humbly obeying the Father and fulfilling all righteousness where we have failed. Even at the beginning of His ministry, this act pointed forward to His death and resurrection.
As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened. The Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice thundered from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
The entire Trinity was present – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – launching the work of redemption just as They had been present at creation. The sinless Son humbled Himself to stand in our place, and the Father declared His delight in Him.
This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus identifies with us so that we can be identified with Him. He took our place so that we could receive His righteousness.
Have you identified with Jesus, the Christ? Have you repented and trusted the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world? If you have, live daily in that reality – dying to sin and rising to new life in Him.
The King has come. Prepare your heart afresh today, and join in preparing others for His return.
Lord Jesus, thank You for humbly identifying with me in my sin so that I could be made right with the Father. Help me live fully identified with You — dying to self and rising in Your power. Amen.