In one of the sermons of Francis Chan, author of the best-selling book Crazy Love, he encourages people to read all the words that Jesus has spoken in the Bible. It makes sense: if we want to have the mind of Christ, we need to read His teachings, and obey Him. So, I did, and began sharing His teachings from the book of Matthew.

I truly believe that if we want to be Christ-like we should read His teachings, meditate upon it, pray about it, and obey it. So, let me share the 1st verse that Jesus has spoken from in the book of Matthew in the New Testament. I encourage you to read the book of Matthew while following my blog.

Today’s Reading: Matthew Chapter 3 ESV

But Jesus answered him,
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he (John the Baptist) consented.  

Matthew 3:15 ESV 

This was Jesus statement when John the Baptist hesitated to baptize Jesus. John felt he should be the one to be baptized by Jesus. 

Jesus did not say John was wrong but said, “Let it be so now…”

Some bible scholars say the word “now” implies that this is related to the work He has to do, so that He should be baptized now. But, it also conveys His approval of what John the Baptist is doing. I believe it shows how much God identifies with us. He is God in human form, and “now,” He is standing in front of John in the place of sinful men.

John was baptizing for the repentance from sin. Jesus was sinless and not in need of baptizing by John, but He humbled himself to be a perfect example for us all.

“for this it is fitting for us”

Some bible scholars think “us” refers to Jesus and John. Others say it is meant for all of humankind. Jesus came to take our sins upon Himself. He died for us.

“to fulfill all righteousness”

To some bible scholars, this one act was an important step in Jesus’ mission to identify with fallen man, and His mission was fulfilled at the cross.

Father, it is my prayer that all who come to believe in Your Son, Jesus, will follow the act of humility portrayed by Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior, for His name sake. 🙏

Although the main purpose of my blog is to study all the words spoken by Jesus, it is important to note what happened after Jesus was baptized.

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17 ESV

Here, we see what is meant by The Trinity. The people saw Jesus. He is the Son of God. The Holy Spirit, who is God, came down on Jesus. Then God the Father spoke about his Son. All three of them– the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are God. All three manifestations in one.