The Way

Matthew 3: 13-17

“13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

God sent Jesus into the world because he loved the world.  Jesus’ life and teachings were to be a testimony and an example of that love, an example that He asked all of His disciples to follow.  

Jesus began His ministry by asking John the Baptist to baptize Him.  This was an act of love and humility.  Jesus was not baptized for his own sake but for humanity’s.   He was leading the way to salvation, in which repentance is an important step.  He was teaching us by His example.

In His life, Christ would experience temptation, sadness, anger, laughter, joy, suffering, death, and resurrection.  In these things he taught us that love is the common thread.  

Jesus began and ended His ministry as a servant leader.  This is the road He walked.

This is the way of faith and salvation.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)