The Baptism of the King 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17.

  During thirty years of life on earth Jesus waited for the time when the Father would direct Him to commence His public ministry. His action of being baptized by John was a total and whole identification with the Kingdom that John had been proclaiming. John's baptism represented the turning from the old to the new. Jesus willingly went through this baptism on His own volition to identify with the new.
  Jesus' saying of "fulfill all righteousness" is exceptionally important for us to understand. Righteousness indicates right relationship. There is a right way and a wrong way. There are no shades of gray. It was the completely right time. Socially, politically, and spiritually it was exactly the right time and the right place. It was completely right to have the breaking in of the Kingdom at this moment of time.
  The assurance that this was the King coming in His Kingdom was confirmed by the Spirit of God coming upon Jesus in the form of a dove. The Spirit came as a dove with the assurance of the Father. The next assurance for them was the voice from heaven giving divine confirmation. The divine voice of the Father's acceptance and approval. As the nation was about to experience the right way of the Father, the King is introduced as the Son of God!

Discussion:

1. After reading Matthew 3:13-17 discuss the need to identify with Jesus. What would happen if we identified more fully?

2. Did the disciples identify with Jesus? Did they encourage others to do the same? Romans 6:1-15; Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 2:9-13; 1 Peter 3:21-4:2; Ephesians 4:1-6.

3. Read these scriptures on water baptism; Mark 16:14-16; John 3:22-27; Acts 2:38-42; 8:9-13; 8:35-39.

4. Share your experience of water baptism especially related to it's spiritual meaning in your life.

5. The Heavenly Father, through acceptance and approval, gave the authentication of the Kingdom breaking into time. How can we give acceptance and approval to our family, church, and community? Give examples of the Kingdom breaking into your life.

Discovery Section:

  Remembering the time of my own baptism in water has the sense of discovery of the King's mercy and grace all over again. It is a form or worship to remember. Remembering how the Lord was so faithful as He led me to a place of commitment and public confession, also brings about a sense of humility and thankfulness.
  It is very comparable with the act of worship at an altar. These altar times are times we can remember for the rest of our days. They are times when we allow the King to minister to us, and in return we minister to the King. We can look back and at the same time receive a glimpse of the future. The King was so faithful and true back at that altar of my life. Certainly, He is here now and into the future. "He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion". Thank you, Lord, for being the King of my life.