Following Jesus' Example!

Matthew 3:13-17

"Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he *permitted Him. After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “ This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well- pleased."

This marks the beginning of Jesus' preparation for ministry.

But I want you to notice something.

Something that many times is overlooked in life & ministry.

"JESUS KNEW WHO HE WAS!"

"HE KNEW WHERE HE CAME FROM!"

"HE KNEW THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING THE SON OF GOD!"

"HE KNEW HIS PURPOSE HERE ON EARTH!"

"BUT HE NEVER ONCE ALLOWED THAT KNOWLEDGE TO AFFECT HIM!"

"HE NEVER ONCE TRIED TO USE IT AS LEVERAGE!"

"HE NEVER ONCE TRIED TO BE ABOVE THE LAW OF HIS DAY!"

"HE WAS COMPLETELY SUBMISSIVE TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE TO GOD, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS GOD!"

"HE DECIDED TO BEGIN HIS MINISTRY WITH A DISPLAY OF OBEDIENCE & SUBMISSION!"

"NOT WITH A 3 POINT SERMON!"

"HE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT TO SHOW THE PEOPLE, INSTEAD OF TELLING THE PEOPLE!"

In other words;

"JESUS LED BY EXAMPLE!"

"HE DIDN'T THINK OF ANY TASK TO BE BENEATH HIM!"

"BUT SAW EVERY TASK AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY SERVICE TO HIS HEAVENLY FATHER!"

Question of the Day:

"HOW DO YOU VIEW AUTHORITY?"

"DO YOU THINK YOURSELF ABOVE IT?"

"DO YOU PLACE YOURSELF IN JUDGMENT OF IT?"

"DO YOU COME ALONG SIDE IT FOR PERSONAL GAIN?"

"OR DO YOU SUBMIT KNOWING THAT GOD IS ULTIMATELY THE ONE TO WHOM YOU SURRENDER?"

"JESUS SUBMITTED BECAUSE HE WAS ULTIMATELY SURRENDERED TO HIS HEAVENLY FATHER'S WILL!"