Monday 5th January
Read Matthew 3:13-17
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised 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 fulfil all righteousness.’ Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, 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.’” (NIVUK)
The early church dwelt long and frequently on this short passage to understand who God was. Before the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit was formalised in creeds the baptism of Jesus was one of the clearest places in scripture to seek to understand who God was and what He sought to achieve.
At the heart of this passage are two small paragraphs: one focusing on why Jesus was baptised and the second on what was seen and heard when He was. Before we spend a week reflecting on the riches of these verses, spend some time meditating on these words in thoughtful reflection and prayer.
What does Jesus’ reason for passing through the waters tell us about why He came?
Who does God declare Jesus is?
