From Matthew 3:13-17 / Satisfied – In this most interesting account, the mystery of the incarnation takes center stage. First, we recognize that Jesus does not “need” to be baptized. He is the righteous Son of God. But as a man, appearing the likeness of sinful flesh, He does all it would be fitting for a man to do in serving God in his culture, place and time. He is a complete Savior to us in this way. He fulfills all righteousness for us. He did what would be incumbent upon a Gentile coming to God, and, in addition, all that would be required of a believing, faithful Jew of His day: Rom. 3:29-30 “Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. He is identified with us in baptism, as being part of a believing and repenting community – even as we are identified with Him in baptism as partakers of His death, burial & resurrection. Note second then the Father’s affirmation of Jesus here. And a good question to ask yourself is – Are you as well pleased with the beloved Son as the Father is? Or do you imagine you can make yourself pleasing to the Father somehow apart from Him, or in addition to Him? The Believer must put the full weight of their acceptance with the Father on the Son. For the Father is well-pleased with Him. And if we are in Him, then the Father is well-pleased with us as well. How much we need to remember this and cling to it when we fail, and are tempted to somehow supplement His righteousness with our own in repentance. Yes, we repent, but not to somehow make up for anything lacking in Christ’s righteousness imputed to us. This, we accept by faith and faith alone. Glory! Woe to us when we do not trust our entire well-being to being in Him, and rest nothing on our own goodness or good works. At any time, before or after salvation. He fulfills ALL righteousness for us.