Matthew 3: 13-17
Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Just like a flower girl comes down the aisle before the bride, John the Baptist did the same for Jesus. He didn’t wear a skirt and toss out rose pedals. It was his job to pave the way and set the stage for the promised Messiah. He did this by preaching in the desert and baptizing people to represent salvation coming to mankind.
John the Baptist’s following grew like an Instagram influencer running a contest. Ultimately, it hit a tipping point where Jesus himself came to John asking to be baptized. John, being a humble servant, insisted that Jesus baptize him instead. However, Jesus pushed back by saying that he needed to do this to “fulfill all righteousness.”
Why did Jesus get baptized? Because God told Him to. This goes to show the significance of obedience. Jesus was obedient to God and got baptized, which led to a voice from heaven expressing, “This is my Son; whom I love; with Him I am pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The obedience of Jesus was pleasing to God.
The same is true for all Christians. Baptism is not just a ceremony or celebration; It’s about obedience. This is why Jesus stressed the significance of water baptism. It is an example for us to follow. If you are a follower of Jesus, you should mirror Jesus. This is why you get baptized then strive to live the way He lived.