Epiphany Sunday: The Baptism of Jesus from Matthew 3:13-17. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance?

John the Baptist resists: "I need to be baptized by YOU. Why are you coming to ME?" But Jesus insists: "Let it be so now, for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.

"At His baptism, we witness the Trinity in full display: The Son is baptized, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares from heaven: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Jesus didn't need baptism for Himself—He did it for US. He chose to identify with sinners. His entire life was active obedience to the law we couldn't keep. At His baptism, before He performed a single miracle, preached a sermon, or called a disciple, the Father was already pleased with Him.

Here's the gospel: The same words spoken over Jesus are true for YOU. You are God's beloved son or daughter. God's pleasure rests on you because of what Christ has done.

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