THE SET UP
In today’s really short passage, we read about Jesus’ baptism (you can read longer, expanded versions of this story in the other Gospels). Jesus didn’t have anything to repent of, the Bible tells us that He lived a sinless life. He was tempted in every way like us, but He never sinned. His baptism was kind of a coming out party for Jesus. It was His first step onto the public stage and the beginning of His ministry.
When Jesus is baptized, the voice of God the Father is heard saying, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” One interesting thing about this that at this point, Jesus hasn’t done anything too amazing. No miracles. No healings. No one raised from the dead. He hasn’t wowed crowds of thousands with His teaching. But He brought the Father great joy. What an encouragement for us today! Through faith in Jesus we are called, “sons and daughters of God,” and the Father finds great joy in us, not because of His love for us. You don’t have to do anything to make that happen. What a gift!
PASSAGE TO READ
Luke 3:21-22 (Page 616 in our house bibles)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus chose to get baptized by John?
Have you ever been baptized as a testimony to your faith in Jesus? If so, what did it mean to you? If not, why haven’t you?
What does it mean to you to know that God finds great joy in you just because?
PRAYER IDEA
Thank God that even though you didn’t and couldn’t earn His love, He takes great joy in you today. Give Him thanks for the love that He has shown to you in your life.