A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION      

Matthew 3:13-15 “ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.” 

The ministry of John the Baptist calling sinners to repentance intensifies in today’s devotional verses. The opening words of verse 13 “Then Jesus came. . .” should take you back to the Angels message to Mary and Joseph. They were to name the boy to be born to them Jesus, because He would save the people from their sins. (See Matthew 1:21)   

John recognized Jesus and knew that He had no need to receive his baptism of repentance. Jesus, however, tells John that His baptism must proceed to carry out God’s plan of salvation. It was God’s plan of salvation, not John the Baptist’s.   

Jesus’ request raises many questions. Is He a sinner? Does He need to repent? Is John’s baptism necessary for Him? Verse 15 gives the answer when Jesus said to John, “Let it be so now. . .” Gibbs, in his commentary explains, “Allow [it]” indicates that Jesus’ Baptism is a concession, an allowance due to His state of humiliation: the sinless Son of God receives the baptism meant for sinners because He shall be the sin-bearer.” Thus Jesus said, “ . . . it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” 

Isaiah 53:5 prophesied, “But He (the Messiah – Jesus) was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to become the substitute for the sins of mankind! 2 Corinthians 5:18 states, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the Offering for our sin. . .”   

This is why Jesus said His request of John the Baptist was proper. Thanks be to God Jesus came into the world to save sinners. John’s Baptizing Jesus was proper and necessary for you and for all sinners. 

Prayer: Jesus, you fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament which gives me the assurance that by virtue of the Holy Spirit working faith in my heart to believe and trust in You my sins are removed and I will live in heaven for all eternity. Praise be to You! Amen. 

I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of god;  
He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load.  
I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stains  
Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains. 

I lay my wants on Jesus; All fullness dwells in Him;  
He heals all my diseases; My soul He does redeem.  
I lay my griefs on Jesus, My burdens and my cares;  
He from them all releases; He all my sorrows shares. 

I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of mine;  
His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline.  
I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;  
Like fragrance on the breezes His name aboard is poured.  (LSB 606)