Jesus provided an illustration of life in His own life. Matthew tells us the story of Jesus' physical birth, spiritual awakening, maturity through trial and God-centered ministry. In so doing, He shows the pattern for our lives as well. We are born physically and then we must be born again spiritually (a choice we make... a conscious response to God's call). Then God will shape us, often through trial and the battle with temptation and sin, to ultimately have an impact for His Kingdom in the lives of others, together in ministry with others. This is depicted for us as Jesus is baptized by John to commence His spiritual walk and then is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil and then begins His work of reaching men for the Kingdom of God. From birth to ministry the sovereign hand of God is evident throughout this process of life and of life extended. This model matches God's method for man...for you and me!
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Matthew 3:
13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are you coming to me?"
15 But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[f]" So John agreed to baptize him.
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Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.
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Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.[g]"
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blessings,
Rob Smith
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