The Beloved

In Matthew 3:13–17, we see Jesus step into the Jordan River to be baptized—not because He needed to repent, but to “fulfill all righteousness” and begin His mission of restoring right relationship between God and people. At His baptism, the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” revealing not only who Jesus is, but what is true for us in Him. Because of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, believers stand before God fully loved and accepted. This moment challenges us to live out our mission by pointing others to Jesus, to take obedient steps like baptism, and to anchor our hearts in this unshakable identity: in Christ, we are God’s beloved, and He is pleased with us.