What Jesus Did! 'All That God Requires' — Matthew 3:15

Thursday, January 23, 2025

[When John questioned why Jesus came to be baptized,] Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him.
— Matthew 3:15 NLT

Key Thought

Sometimes I am both amazed and ashamed at my audacity before the Sovereign God. I can actually (maybe better described as, "arrogantly") think I have a better plan for my life than what I find in God's revealed will in Scripture. Now, I never intentionally think, "God is wrong about this; I have a better way to do it." No, my self-delusion is more sinister and subtle. I just ignore what he has revealed and say something like, "Surely he doesn't mean..." or "Surely God wouldn't want..." However, any time I replace God's will with my own ideas, I've actually chosen my will over his.

John was a humble and true servant. But, John's conception of the Messiah didn't include baptizing him! God's plan, on the other hand, used John, just as he will use us. We need to ask this question everyday if we are to understand that will: "Father, how can I fulfill your desires and honor your character with my life today?" Our goal must be to please and to honor him by the way we live. We're here to fulfill his righteous plans, not what we think is best or most appropriate.

Today's Prayer

Gracious and all wise heavenly Father, thank you for having John baptize Jesus. This reminds me that baptism is about my relationship with you and not about who baptizes whom. Thank you for Jesus' example of living only to please you and accomplish your will. Please fill my heart with that same resolve and empower me by the Holy Spirit to live only for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

In the Footsteps of Jesus
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Jesus said this was the right thing for him to do! James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of an important reason to be baptized: not only was Jesus baptized, he also said it was the right thing to do and called on all his disciples to be baptized and baptizers.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 3:15 NLT — [When John questioned why Jesus came to be baptized,] Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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