Trusting in Vindication

Trusting in Vindication

Jesus’ baptism was an act of humiliation. The sinless Son of God stood in line with sinners, associated Himself with their shame, and submitted to a baptism He did not need. In the eyes of many, this made no sense. Why would the Holy One lower Himself in this...
Trusting in Vindication

Following His Example

If Jesus did not separate Himself from sinners, why would we? This is one of the most challenging applications of Jesus’ baptism. He entered into the mess of human sin and shame. He built relationships with tax collectors, touched lepers, spoke with the woman at...
Trusting in Vindication

Beloved and Well Pleased

After Jesus emerged from the waters of baptism, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father spoke: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This was a moment of Trinitarian glory: Father, Son, and Spirit all present...
Trusting in Vindication

Fulfilling All Righteousness

John the Baptist was understandably confused. Here was the Lamb of God, the One whose sandals John was not worthy to untie, asking to be baptized. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus had no sins to confess, no guilt...
Trusting in Vindication

Down in the Water, Not Up on the Bank

When Jesus arrived at the Jordan River, He had a choice. He could have stood with John up on the bank, calling sinners to repentance. That would have made sense. After all, He was the sinless Son of God. He had every right to stand apart, to keep His distance from the...