The Gospel of the Kingdom - Matthew - Identifying with Mankind

 

Text: Matthew 3:13-15 – “ Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.”

 Today, as we look at this passage, we will consider John’s objection to Jesus’ request. 

Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordon River near Bethany as we are told in John 1:28 – “These things were done in Bethabara (Bethany) beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”  Many Bible scholars believe this to be where Joshua first led the Israelites into the Promised Land.  It is also the place where Elijah was taken up into heaven ( 2 Kings 2). It is located near the southern end of the Jordan River, across from the city of Jericho. The trip was approximately 80 – 90 miles, meaning that Jesus traveled for about 3 days to come for this meeting with John.

John at first refuses Christ’s request to be baptized, feeling that he is unworthy to do so. The phrase “tried to prevent” is in a form in the Greek that shows a continuous action, so we could translate this that he was utterly prohibiting this request from Jesus. Why? He gives the reason as that Jesus needed to baptize him – he realized in Jesus’ presence that he was a sinner.

After the second request from Jesus (verse 15), he baptizes the Savior. Jesus informed John that it was necessary to do this. It needed to be completed – fulfilled.

Why would the sinless Son of God say this, insist upon this?

Jesus identified Himself completely with sinful mankind (Isaiah 53:12). This was not to set a pattern or example but to have a complete identification with humankind. This was (and is) symbolic of His death, when we follow Him in baptism, we are identified with Him and  His death. 

When you received Christ, did you follow in this identification? When you were baptized, had you established this relationship with the Son of God – had you received His Grace by faith? Consider the importance of being identified with Christ – He lives inside of you – have you displayed this to the world?