Matthew – Fulfilled

As a past and present planner of events, I understand all the little details that must come together at the right time and place to make the event or program be effective, meaningful and significant in the lives of others. Maybe that’s why I am impressed with John the Baptist’s words, “The real action comes next: The main character in this drama–compared to him I’m a mere stagehand–will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out.”

John knows that life is orchestrated ultimately by God Himself. John knows his part and plays it well. John is a one of many details in the fulfillment of the God’s plan to redeem us. It all began at the beginning of creation. It began with God and will end with God. Now, we are ready for the “real action”, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3, The Message

13-14 Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!”

15 But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it.

16-17 The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”

More to think about…
–John’s humility…just like his mother when Mary came to visit with God’s Son within her…”Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” (Luke 1:43).
–Jesus’ humility…He had no sin to repent yet he insisted to be baptized by John, “God’s work”, to be an example to the world.
–As soon as Christ began to preach, he preached humility, preached it by his example, preached it to all, especially the young ministers.
–Christ was designed for the highest honors, yet in his first act of ministry He humbles himself before John.
–Lesson for us? Those who would rise high must begin low. Before honor is humility.
–This act of Jesus showed great respect to John. For Christ to come to him to be baptized by him showed respect to John in return for the service he did for Jesus in preparing the way for his mission, to seek and to save the lost. Those that honor God will be honored. (1 Samuel 2:30)

Imagine the moment…
John, who was full of the Holy Spirit since being in the womb of Elizabeth, brings Jesus out the water and the heavens open up. Sin shut heavens doors, putting a stop to all relationships between God and man. But now, Christ has opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers! The divine light of God’s love is darting in all directions, falling on the children of God, believers who love Him back with all our hearts, minds and souls. Let the work of Christ begin!

“This is my Son chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” –God

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you.
In Jesus Name, Amen