February 12

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan, to be baptized of him.—Matthew 3:13.

THE baptism of Jesus, was the first striking event connected with his public life. He was now about thirty years of age, when he appeared as a candidate for this interesting rite. Until now he had dwelt at Nazareth, concealed from the rulers and doctors of the church, and unknown to the world in general. From Galilee to where John was baptizing, was about ninety miles: these Jesus cheerfully travelled, that he might pass through the waters of baptism, and be anointed for the great work of his public ministry. We now behold him standing before John, when the eyes of the illustrious harbinger are immediately fastened upon him. In him he perceives the long expected Messiah, the beloved Son of God. He therefore modestly declines to baptize Jesus: assigning as his reason his own need, rather to receive that ordinance from the hands of Christ. Jesus in reply, assures the humble John, that though he might be the Messiah, yet even as such, it became him as well as his disciples, to fulfil all righteousness. (v. 15.) Here the Redeemer evidently recognizes baptism as a part of righteousness, and teaches us clearly that whatever God commandeth, whether it may refer to a moral obligation, or to a ceremonial institution, that it becomes us, as an imperative duty, as an act of subjection, to the great Legislator, at once cheerfully and heartily to fulfil it. Here we have immaculateness baptized; here we have the Lord of all, in the hands of one of his servants, attending to an institution grounded on his own authority. Never was a servant more honoured than John was on this occasion. Never was an ordinance more gloriously recognized and hallowed than that of baptism. Here is ample matter, by which our wonder and admiration may be excited; and where we are called to behold a striking model of humble and ready obedience.