He Knows You
Matthew 3:13-17
This week, we are going to reflect on a profound event in Jesus's life, a significant turning point that heralds the beginning of his ministry. When Jesus sought baptism from John, He was not just conveying to John, but to each one of us, that He deeply understands the real you. He comprehends our doubts, fears, and insecurities. He sees beyond the façade we often present to the world and delves into the depths of our hearts. Let’s journey through this moment together, finding comfort in the depth of Jesus's understanding.
1. What stood out to you about the service this past weekend?
Read (Matthew 3:13–17 NIV) "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”"
2. Jesus knows each one of us intimately. He sees beyond the masks we wear, the walls we build, and the insecurities we harbor. He knows the struggles we face, the doubts that plague us, and the mistakes we've made. And yet, His love remains unwavering. Why is it easy for us to feel unworthy in the presence of such perfect love?
3. Look again at verse 15 "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15, NIV). In this simple statement, Jesus revealed his heart for John and us. The heart of his mission on earth is to fulfill all righteousness on behalf of humanity. In essence, Jesus is saying, “John I don’t have to be baptized. But I am giving myself to do the will of God on your behalf because I want you and all those that call on me.” How does this verse reveal Jesus’ commitment to do all that it takes to make us right with God?
4. You may ask, “But what does it mean for Jesus to fulfill righteousness?” At its core, Jesus' fulfillment of righteousness encompasses his perfect obedience to God's will and his sacrificial atonement for our sins. He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it—to embody the essence of God's character and demonstrate the depth of his love for humanity. How did Jesus’ complete obedience demonstrate His love for humanity?
5. Read Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." Adoption to sonship is a gift of God, received by faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Have you received the gift of salvation? If you have, would you share your story with your group?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." How does understanding this verse affect your relationship with God and your daily life?
7. This concept of imputed righteousness is central to the Christian faith. It means that our standing before God is not based on our own righteousness or good works but on the righteousness of Christ credited to our account. In Christ, we are declared righteous, justified, and forgiven, not because of anything we have done but because of what Christ has accomplished on our behalf. How would you explain this to someone who does not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior?
8. Every human has to decide whether to follow Jesus and give him their life or follow themselves. It's not about what you’ve done; it’s about what He’s done. And He did it all—on a cross—for you and for me. Jesus chose to be baptized not out of necessity but as an act of obedience and identification with humanity. He chose to be baptized for you so that you can be baptized to follow Him. Have you been baptized? If not, what is keeping you from trusting in Jesus and following Him in baptism?
The Bible's picture of baptism shows the old life being put away and a new life emerging. In baptism, we publicly display what Jesus did through his death and resurrection. We also show that we have identified with this. By obeying his command to be baptized, we identify with the power of the cross and resurrection to deliver us completely from the power and authority of sin. “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16)
If you have yet to be baptized and want to learn more about it, we encourage you to attend our Next Steps class. Next Steps classes are held at all our locations after each service on the first weekend of each month. We hope to see you there.
Serve Day will be here before we know it. If you haven’t already submitted your serve project online, please have someone from your group do that as we want to celebrate all that God is doing in our community on that day. www.journeyconnect.org/serveday