Matthew 3:13-17 - Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 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.”

In this passage from Matthew 3, we see Jesus coming to John the Baptist to be baptized. John at first objects, saying that Jesus should baptize him instead since Jesus is without sin. However, Jesus insists that it must be done to 'fulfill all righteousness.' After Jesus is baptized, the Spirit of God descends upon him like a dove and a voice from heaven declares 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.' Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of his earthly ministry and the Father's divine approval of his work.

Jesus' baptism is a profound moment that teaches us many things. Though sinless, Jesus humbled himself to identify fully with humanity. His baptism showed that he had truly taken on our flesh and was willing to stand in our place. It marked his transition from private life to public ministry as the Messiah. Most importantly, at his baptism the Father affirmed his beloved Son and the mission he had come to fulfill - to offer himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. When we are baptized, we identify with Christ's death and resurrection. We die to our old life and rise to newness of life in him. Like Jesus, may we continually seek to fulfill all righteousness through obedience to God's will.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Jesus and his willing obedience even to baptism. Help us to follow in his footsteps by humbling ourselves, denying ourselves, and choosing your will over our own desires. May our lives continually point to Christ as we strive to fulfill all righteousness. Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit as we seek to live for you each day. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.