Passage
Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Coronation of the Messiah
Date: Jan. 29, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 3:17
First, Jesus baptized by John (13-15). Through John a revival had begun among the Jews. Then Jesus stepped out of obscurity in Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John's ministry pointed to Jesus' coming, so he never expected to baptize Jesus. John wanted the baptism Jesus came to give: of the Holy Spirit and fire. To fulfill all God's righteous plans, John consented to Jesus, and baptized him. Jesus succeeded John's ministry and God's redemptive history continued.
Second, Jesus baptized by the Holy Spirit (16-17). Jesus was not baptized for forgiveness of sins. This was his coronation as the Messiah. As he came up out of the water, the Spirit of God descended and alighted on him like a dove. God himself declared Jesus to be his beloved Son, with whom he is pleased. This was God's official anointing and declaration of Jesus' Messiahship.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus whom you sent as our Messiah. Help me trust and follow him today.
One Word: Jesus is God's beloved Son
