JESUS Our Example (Matt.3)

Jesus, fully God - fully man, came to earth to save us.  The main purpose was to go to the cross to pay for our sins so that there would be a way for us to have a relationship with God.

Leading up to this, Jesus had a ministry and performed many miracles.  The fact that people witnessed this, points us to the fact that Jesus is God.  Jesus lived on earth and experienced all the temptations and struggles that we do - so that it could be said - He fully understands.  Yet, He did this without any sin.  The fact that people witnessed this, points us to the fact that Jesus is God.

Since Jesus never sinned, Jesus was and is our perfect example, therefore, He "practiced what He preached."  This is why Jesus went to John the Baptist to be physically baptized...

(Matthew 3:11-17)  “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 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. 16 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, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Right after Jesus was baptized, God announced audibly that Jesus is God's Son!  The fact that people (at the very least, John the Baptist) witnessed this, points us to the fact that Jesus is God!  Knowing this lends credibility.  IF Jesus had JUST BEEN a man - He could not have done everything He has done, and therefore - we would not have any hope.  But because we have all this proof - and because we can SEE - our faith is not blind.  We CAN know!!!

(Ephesians 1:17-22)  For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

God knows that it is impossible for us to be perfect.  This is why we need Jesus!  We need to see and be constantly reminded of His words, His example, His ministry, what He did for us on the cross, what He does for us now, etc.  Apostle Paul speaks about his own salvation and ministry - which is all thanks to Jesus...

(1 Timothy 1:12-16)  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.