Feb 24 The First Righteous Verse… Cinderella’s Shoe
Matthew 3:15
In the New Testament Jesus is the person who uses the word “righteous” the first two times it appears.
The first appearance is in Matthew chapter 3 leading up to the baptism of Christ, initiating His public ministry. You may recall that John was confused by Jesus’ request for baptism. He said to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14b) In Jesus’ response you could hear both His understanding of John’s conundrum, and also Jesus’ firm conviction that baptism was “right.”
Jesus said to John, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.” (Matthew 3:15)
“Permit it” is an allowance. Jesus accepts that He doesn’t really need baptism, He is holy/sinless. And when Jesus says “it is fitting” and then uses the words “to fulfill” it is kind of like Cinderella putting on her perfectly fitting shoe. Only Jesus and John together can fulfill this moment of righteousness. No one else will fit. John is the forerunner of the Christ – identifying, “The Lamb of God That Takes Away the Sin of the World.” (John 1:29) And the baptism of the Christ would be the spotlight on Jesus as Savior.
John the baptizer was prophesied as the forerunner of the Messiah in both Isaiah and Malachi. The Psalms mentioned that the “Christ/Messiah/Anointed One” would be anointed with the Holy Spirit “above his fellows.” (45:7) Only Jesus could wear that shoe. “The Lord is our righteousness!” (Jer.33:16)
The baptism of Jesus not only identified Him with sinners, but also identified Him as the Holy Spirit descended upon Him as the Savior.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Only You are the Anointed Messiah/Christ.
We praise You that You permit us, and people like John, to participate in Your Kingdom work.
Remind us by the many prophecies of You, and Your forerunner John,
that only You can wear the shoe of the Righteous Christ! Amen.
