Beloved - Matthew 3:13-17

Matthew 3:13-17 ESV 

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;

and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The kingdom of heaven draws near as Jesus is about to begin the last phase of His life on earth. His ministry is ignited by entering the water of repentance, not that He needed it, but to show us the way to righteousness. Repentance is the first step toward God. 

What happened next takes place with every believer when they pass through the waters of repentance. The heavens open and the Spirit descends to rest in the heart given to Christ. The Father is well pleased with a new son of heaven. 

You and I are beloved.