By Andrew Williams
But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.
Matthew 3:14-15 NLT
Good morning fellow disciples.
Petition: something asked or requested, an earnest request.
John the Baptist was the established rabbi on the scene. People were coming from all over to hear his teaching and to be baptized by him. Now, here comes Jesus who was unknown and had not even started teaching or having disciples, and John is saying that he needs to be baptized by Jesus!
Why would John say this?
What did John know and understand that we don’t?
Listen to what he says in Matthew 3:11 NLT:
“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John was baptizing persons who repented of their sins. Jesus had no sin, so he did not need to repent or be baptized in water.
John also recognized that Jesus was greater than he was, and he was willing to submit to Jesus’ authority.
John knew that Jesus was the one who would baptize persons with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
I believe that this is the baptism that John was talking about when he said that “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.”
Like John, do you want to be baptized by Jesus?
Have you received the baptism of Jesus?
Have you petitioned Jesus to be baptized with Holy Spirit and with fire?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want Your baptism! Baptize me with The Holy Spirit and with fire, I pray. Amen.