Daily Bible Study

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Day 3 Matthew 3 Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 13 Then came Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and come thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Baptism is something many of you experience as babies, and some as you are older. Baptism is an act of submission, a conscious deliberate act, proclaiming to the world you are not the same person you were before you were baptized. John the Baptist baptized people who wanted to see change in their lives, who wanted to repent of their sins. He also preached to the people about the coming Messiah who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and Fire. John was also not afraid to call it like it was. When he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees he called them a generation of vipers. He knew they were not all they appeared to be. When Jesus appeared to be baptized, John told him he should baptize him, not he, John, baptize Jesus. However, Jesus told him it was best for him, Jesus, to be baptized by him, John. Jesus’ purpose in being baptized was to fulfill all righteousness. In being baptized by John, Jesus was being set apart and showing his connection to John. He was set apart, because he was about to embark on his ministry to the people. He showed his connection, not by way of need because he was sinless, but he wanted to show the people his humanity. Their Messiah suffered the same situations they did. Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. When Jesus was baptized by John, he set up the institution of baptism for all those who would accept him as Savior and Lord. As Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection, he told his disciples to baptize the people. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. As Christians, you know this as the great commission. Just as Jesus taught and lived by example, you are to do the same. Let’s pray: Father, help me be an example by my life and actions that I am your child. Help me live fully unto you, being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 21 April 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay