Jesus Unveiled: Baptism and God’s Approval

Jesus Unveiled: Baptism and God’s Approval

Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV)

Some moments define us forever. For Jesus, His baptism was one of those moments.

Before the miracles, before the teaching, before the crowds, there was obedience. Jesus stepped into the waters of baptism—not to repent, but to fulfill righteousness. It wasn’t a sign of His need for cleansing, but a declaration of His identity and submission to the Father’s will.

Surrender doesn’t always make sense

John the Baptist hesitated when Jesus approached. He knew this man didn’t need repentance. But Jesus made it clear: this is about obedience, not logic.

And that’s where many of us struggle. We want to understand before we obey. But faith doesn’t wait for full understanding—it acts in trust.

Jesus' baptism reminds us that surrender is the key that unlocks the next season of your life. Don’t wait until it all makes sense. God often moves after you obey, not before.

The Holy Spirit empowers the obedient

When Jesus came up from the water, heaven responded.

• The skies opened.

• The Spirit descended.

• A voice thundered.

This moment wasn’t just symbolic—it was supernatural.

Jesus didn’t rely on His divinity to perform His ministry. He walked in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit that descended on Him is available to every believer who truly surrenders.

Are you living in the power of the Spirit—or just visiting His presence?

The Father’s approval comes before your performance

Before Jesus healed, preached, or went to the cross, the Father declared: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus hadn’t done anything public yet. But He had walked faithfully privately. That was enough.

Too many Christians are chasing approval from people when the only voice that matters already spoke. You don’t earn God’s love. You don’t prove yourself for His affection. If you belong to Him, He already sees you through the lens of Christ.

Let go of the performance mindset. Receive the Father’s approval.

This is your moment

Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

If you’re waiting for everything to make sense before you surrender, you’ll never move. If you’re living for applause instead of obedience, you’ll miss your purpose.

Let this be your defining moment.

📍 You’re invited to join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM at First Assembly of God – Mount Pleasant, or watch the full message below.

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