26 July - Matthew 3

Today we’re reading Matthew 3 together. Below are a couple thoughts:

1. This chapter opens by telling us about Jesus’ cousin, John. Many people know him as John the “Baptist” but it could be better translated as John the “Baptizer.” He was a wild man who wore clothes made of camel hair and ate bugs. He would be institutionalized if he was around today but he was an important part of preparing the way for Jesus’ life. He went around teaching people that they needed to turn from religion and to a relationship with God. The religious leaders didn’t care much for John and they didn’t for Jesus either (maybe it was a family trait?).
2. Jesus came to be baptized by John and John tried to refuse because he felt unworthy. However, Jesus insisted. Jesus had no need to be baptized, he was perfect. He wanted to show us how important it was though. After Jesus came back up from the water God spoke from heaven; confirming Jesus was his son and said he was pleased with him.

Jesus’ cousin John was pretty crazy. Does it make you think differently of Jesus’ family? We all think our family is strange but I doubt many of us have family members who eat bugs. The Bible tells us that Jesus faced everything we face in life. We normally wouldn’t think Jesus could understand being seen as an outcast but he certainly was. In fact, Jesus one time said even his own people reject him. Have you ever felt like being baptized wasn’t that big of a deal? Jesus, God in human form, felt it was important enough to be baptized. So shouldn’t we think it’s a big deal too? Are you a follower of Jesus? If so, have you been baptized? If not, what are you waiting for? If you want to talk with someone more about it or have questions we’d love to talk with you. Tommy@tattoochurch.com