The Baptism of Jesus: The Affirmation of John's Ministry

A message based on Matthew 3:13-17:  Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  John would have prevented Jesus, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  But Jesus answered John, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”  Then John consented.  And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and Jesus saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”