As we read about “Jesus on Mission” this week, please find a quiet place to clear your thoughts. As we read about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on this earth, ask for the Holy Spirit to rid your mind of busyness, doubt, fear, worry, etc… Let God’s truth speak to your heart!
Matthew 3:13-17
The Message
13-14 Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!”
15 But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it.
16-17 The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”
As I read this familiar account of John baptizing Jesus, I first saw it through John’s eyes, as I have always interpreted it. John’s mission was to prepare everyone for Jesus’ coming. What an honor for Jesus to appear, as John had been telling everyone, and to ask for baptism! John’s Lord and Savior, asking him to do the baptizing – John must have felt unqualified, because he objected. Jesus responded by reminding John why He had come. John was obedient to his Savior. I’ve always thought how proud John must have felt to be the one to baptize Jesus!
What a little window into my attitudes about relationship with Jesus! Pastor’s sermon this morning “tilted” the perspective to Jesus, instead of John. Jesus was perfect and without sin – He didn’t need baptism. Jesus wasn’t lifting up John, he was “standing in line” with all of us sinners! My Jesus isn’t about pride, or accomplishments in this world. He’s all about standing alongside of our challenges and struggles in this world. He’s not about keeping score of the commandments that we keep or not, he’s about empathy and forgiveness. Not that we shouldn’t be obedient to his law, but he wants to be in our company, and constantly reminds us that we are loved, cherished and forgiven!
Father God – thank you so much for Your Son, who so sweetly walks with us every day. Please help me to put my ego aside each day, so that I can point others to You! Amen.
kristi
Refrain from: He Is With Us: Artist: Love & The Outcome
We can trust our God He knows what He's doing Though it might hurt now We won't be ruined It might seem there's an ocean in between But He's holding on to you and me And He's never gonna leave, no He is with us, He is with us Always, always He is with us, He is with us Always