When Jesus Gets in Line
When Jesus Gets in Line
A Reflection on Matthew 3:13–17
Some people are pretty comfortable when we know our place.
We know when we’re in charge.
We know when we’re learning.
And we usually know when we should probably stay out of the way.
Problems tend to arise when those lines blur—when someone steps into a role that doesn’t seem to fit, or when expectations don’t line up with reality.
Have you ever had a moment when you thought, This doesn’t feel right. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go?
That tension—between expectation and reality—is right at the heart of Matthew 3:13–17. John the Baptist is doing exactly what God has called him to do, baptizing repentant sinners in the Jordan River, when Jesus shows up and completely unsettles him. John expects sinners to step into the water. What he does not expect is Jesus getting in line with them.
And yet, that confusing, uncomfortable, unexpected moment is where Jesus chooses to begin his public ministry.
Jesus Comes on Purpose
Matthew writes,
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.”
(Matt 3:13, ESV)
Depending on where Jesus began his journey in Galilee, he traveled anywhere from ten to eighty miles—on foot. This was not an accident or a convenience. Jesus came intentionally. He came to John. And he came to be baptized by John.
That detail matters.
John did not baptize Jesus because he was worthy of the honor. Jesus submitted himself to John’s ministry because obedience to the Father mattered more than appearances.
When the Moment Feels Out of Place
As Jesus approaches,
“John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’”
(Matt 3:14, ESV)
John knows what his baptism represents. It is a baptism of repentance. And Jesus—sinless, obedient, righteous—does not fit the profile. John recognizes Jesus’ superiority and is understandably confused.
Why would the sinless One submit to a baptism meant for sinners?
Jesus answers,
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
(Matt 3:15, ESV)
Jesus is not confessing sin. He is committing himself fully to God’s redemptive plan. To “fulfill all righteousness” is to walk in complete, faithful obedience to the Father’s will. Jesus identifies himself with sinful Israel—with us—not because he shares our guilt, but because he comes to carry it.
From the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus does not distance himself from sinners. He stands among them.
Obedience Before Approval
After Jesus is baptized, Matthew tells us,
“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.”
(Matt 3:16, ESV)
The language echoes Genesis 1, where the Spirit hovers over the waters at creation. Here, the Spirit rests upon Jesus, signaling divine anointing. This is not self-appointed authority. This is Spirit-empowered mission.
And then comes the voice from heaven:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(Matt 3:17, ESV)
Notice when God speaks these words.
This affirmation comes before miracles.
Before sermons.
Before healings.
Before the cross.
God’s approval is rooted not in what Jesus has accomplished yet, but in who he is—the beloved Son, walking in obedient submission.
What This Means for Us
Jesus inaugurates his public ministry by identifying with sinful humanity through baptism. He fulfills God’s saving plan not through power or prestige, but through obedience and humility.
God’s plan moves forward through participation.
Jesus participates fully.
Jesus obeys perfectly.
And now, because of him, we are graciously invited to follow—not as saviors, but as faithful responders.
We will not always understand God’s plan. Often, God reveals his will one step at a time. What he asks of us is not complete clarity, but faithful obedience.
Jesus got in line.
He submitted.
He trusted the Father.
And because he did, heaven opened.
May we learn to trust the God who calls us—not always with answers, but always with a next step. Let’s pray.
Stay in the Word daily, it will save your life.
A Reflection on Matthew 3:13–17
Some people are pretty comfortable when we know our place.
We know when we’re in charge.
We know when we’re learning.
And we usually know when we should probably stay out of the way.
Problems tend to arise when those lines blur—when someone steps into a role that doesn’t seem to fit, or when expectations don’t line up with reality.
Have you ever had a moment when you thought, This doesn’t feel right. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go?
That tension—between expectation and reality—is right at the heart of Matthew 3:13–17. John the Baptist is doing exactly what God has called him to do, baptizing repentant sinners in the Jordan River, when Jesus shows up and completely unsettles him. John expects sinners to step into the water. What he does not expect is Jesus getting in line with them.
And yet, that confusing, uncomfortable, unexpected moment is where Jesus chooses to begin his public ministry.
Jesus Comes on Purpose
Matthew writes,
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.”
(Matt 3:13, ESV)
Depending on where Jesus began his journey in Galilee, he traveled anywhere from ten to eighty miles—on foot. This was not an accident or a convenience. Jesus came intentionally. He came to John. And he came to be baptized by John.
That detail matters.
John did not baptize Jesus because he was worthy of the honor. Jesus submitted himself to John’s ministry because obedience to the Father mattered more than appearances.
When the Moment Feels Out of Place
As Jesus approaches,
“John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’”
(Matt 3:14, ESV)
John knows what his baptism represents. It is a baptism of repentance. And Jesus—sinless, obedient, righteous—does not fit the profile. John recognizes Jesus’ superiority and is understandably confused.
Why would the sinless One submit to a baptism meant for sinners?
Jesus answers,
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
(Matt 3:15, ESV)
Jesus is not confessing sin. He is committing himself fully to God’s redemptive plan. To “fulfill all righteousness” is to walk in complete, faithful obedience to the Father’s will. Jesus identifies himself with sinful Israel—with us—not because he shares our guilt, but because he comes to carry it.
From the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus does not distance himself from sinners. He stands among them.
Obedience Before Approval
After Jesus is baptized, Matthew tells us,
“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.”
(Matt 3:16, ESV)
The language echoes Genesis 1, where the Spirit hovers over the waters at creation. Here, the Spirit rests upon Jesus, signaling divine anointing. This is not self-appointed authority. This is Spirit-empowered mission.
And then comes the voice from heaven:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(Matt 3:17, ESV)
Notice when God speaks these words.
This affirmation comes before miracles.
Before sermons.
Before healings.
Before the cross.
God’s approval is rooted not in what Jesus has accomplished yet, but in who he is—the beloved Son, walking in obedient submission.
What This Means for Us
Jesus inaugurates his public ministry by identifying with sinful humanity through baptism. He fulfills God’s saving plan not through power or prestige, but through obedience and humility.
God’s plan moves forward through participation.
Jesus participates fully.
Jesus obeys perfectly.
And now, because of him, we are graciously invited to follow—not as saviors, but as faithful responders.
We will not always understand God’s plan. Often, God reveals his will one step at a time. What he asks of us is not complete clarity, but faithful obedience.
Jesus got in line.
He submitted.
He trusted the Father.
And because he did, heaven opened.
May we learn to trust the God who calls us—not always with answers, but always with a next step. Let’s pray.
Stay in the Word daily, it will save your life.
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