Our Identity in Christ

In Matthew 3, we find a contrast between Pharisees (Jewish religious figures) and Jesus. There is a huge difference where they base their identity and authority. And it's a good reminder for us followers of Christ and Christian leaders on where our identity should lie:

1. Jesus did what was right and followed the process - When Jesus went to John to be baptized, John "tried to deter him." But Jesus insisted because "it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness" (v. 15). Being the promised Messiah didn't mean Jesus could cut corners, He modeled and fulfilled "all righteousness", He did what was right. He says in another passage that He didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. The Pharisees on the other had displayed an outward and legalistic religiosity that was in the end self-serving. As leaders, we are to obey His commands from the heart and model a righteous life.

2. Jesus was affirmed by the Father as His Beloved Son - When Jesus was baptized, verse 16 and 17 says that, "heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love ..." Jesus didn't parade His identity, He just did what the Father called Him to do, and in the end it was the Father Himself who exalted Him affirming Him to be His Beloved Son. On the other hand the Pharisees claimed upon themselves to be "sons of Abraham." True leadership doesn't have to be imposed, it should be affirmed as one exhibits it.

3. Jesus' identity is based on His relationship with the Father - Jesus enjoyed an intimate relationship with the Father, and that's where He found His identity and security. The Pharisees on the other hand based their identity and privilege on titles and lineage. As Christian leaders and followers of Christ, we must base our confidence, identity, and security in our relationship and position in Christ, and not on our strength, our family background, or titles. The latter will make for an unstable foundation, but our relationship with Christ, initiated by God himself is a strong foundation.

4. Jesus became the object of God's pleasure - Jesus sought the pleasure of His Father (v. 17), while the Pharisees became objects of wrath (v. 7). As followers of Christ, we are only to seek the pleasure of God and not any other person. We perform for an audience of One. When confronted by the Pharisees in Acts, Peter boldly told them, "we would rather serve God rather than men." In the end, what matters is the pleasure of God rather than the applause of men (Acts 5:29).