St Paul writes that 'since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit' (Galatians 5:25). We see in this passage, something of what this means.

We see the continuing theme of Jesus fulfilling the promise of the Old Testament. Three more times Matthew points out that Jesus' life was a fulfilment of the Old Testament promise (Matthew 2:23, 3:3 and 3:15).

John the Baptist was the last of the old covenant prophets (see Matthew 11:13). He was an antitype of Elijah (Matthew 11:14). Like Moses, he led the way to but did not enter the promised land (Matthew 11:10). He was the greatest person before Jesus and his church (Matthew 11:11).

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and introduces the subject of the work of the Holy Spirit. We see here something of what it means to 'walk in step with the Spirit' (Galatians 5:25).

• Refining fire

John says that whereas he baptised with water, Jesus will baptise with 'the Holy Spirit and with fire … burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire' (3:11, 12). The Holy Spirit will come like a fire to bring power and purity. The fire should burn up the rubbish in our lives.

• Dove of peace

When Jesus is baptised as he comes out of the water, 'heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him' (3:16). The dove is a symbol of peace which the Holy Spirit brings to our lives. The 'fruit of the Spirit is … peace' (Galatians 5:22).

• Assurance of our adoption as children of God

A voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son' (3:17). Jesus was a Son of God in a unique way. However, the Holy Spirit assures all of us that we are sons and daughters of God, 'You receive the Spirit of adoption. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children' (Romans 8:15-16).

• Experience of God's love

The voice from heaven said '… whom I love ...' (3:17). The apostle Paul writes that God's love for us is poured 'into our hearts by the Holy Spirit' (Romans 5:5). Knowing his pleasure, the voice from heaven says, 'with him I am well pleased' (3:17). Again, it was supremely true of Jesus but God wants us all to know his pleasure. I love the moment in the film Chariots of Fire when Eric Liddell says, 'when I run I feel his pleasure'.

Of course, Jesus is very different from us. He was sinless. In one sense, he did not need to be baptised. John the Baptist was hesitant about baptising him (3:14) but Jesus said, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness' (3:15). Jesus identified with us, sinful human beings, right from the start. He was identifying with human beings so that he could bear our sin on the cross for us. As a result, we are able to experience the Holy Spirit in a similar way and 'walk in step with the Spirit' (Galatians 5:25).

B blessed abundantly,

steadywalking

SHALOM IN HIS GRACE

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Stand and go through, never looking back, and pressing on