Eyewitnesses of his Majesty Matthew 3:13-17

When Jesus came to John to be baptised, John would have prevented him. John was humble. He knew he wasn't even worthy to untie Jesus' sandals, but Jesus told him something that changed his mind quickly, and without argument. Jesus told him, "it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." This was God's purpose. This was God's work. This is why John had been called to baptise in the first place for the fulfillment of God's kingdom and his righteousness. John loved God's Kingdom, and he was honored to be apart of bringing its fulfillment. Jesus included him in God's work "it is fitting for us." Like John we also have the honor of joining in God's work.

But how was John baptising Jesus fulfilling all righteousness?

In baptizing Jesus John was consecrating Jesus for service. This was an act of righteous obedience to God. In the Old Testament the consecration of the Priest and Levites had included a baptism (Lev. 8, Num. 8).

Jesus ministry certainly eclipsed that of all the Priests and Levites of the Old Testament this act of obedience by John and Jesus was the beginning of a ministry that would fulfill all righteousness.

The significance of Christ's ministry is demonstrated in the event of his Baptism. The heavens opened and the spirit descended. Consider the source of the Spirit. The Spirit descended from heaven. It came upon Jesus, and would later be poured out on his Church. Jesus himself also descended. Long before he came from Galilee to the Jordan he came from heaven to earth. He is the one who comes down from heaven and brings life to the world. Heaven is the source. Righteousness does not come from the ground up, and it never could. Jesus says the same of his Kingdom,"My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36) The Kingdom, whose subjects we are, isn't from this world; it is from heaven. In Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, and in his Kingdom heaven is opened and comes down. God's will is done on earth as in heaven.

The Father Loves the Son. and is well pleased with him. The Father loves the Son because the son lays down his life that he may take it up again. (John 10:17) The Father loves the Son's obedience, The Son's sacrifice, and the Son's authority.

In this event we see Jesus has come; he has entered the scene to begin his ministry. He has come to fulfill all righteousness. As we see him we must ask: does what pleases the Father please us as well? Do we love him for his crucifixion and for his resurrection? Do we love his authority, and give our allegiance to it? Do we love his righteous Kingdom? Is God's will done in our lives as it is in heaven?

When we love the son, and we obey his word then we like John do our part.

"it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."