Our scripture this week is Mark 1:9-13, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Why was Jesus baptized? He had no sin to confess and no need for repentance. We look at this from our human point of view and don’t understand, but God showed us earlier in Jesus’ life that He would undergo all human emotions and practices to be one of us.
Jesus was born of Mary, a human child in need of love and care. He grew up and went through the rites of passage for all children of that time, such as being dedicated at the Temple, so it is only fitting that He would go to be baptized, showing His obedience to God. Jesus says to John “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).
What are we doing today to “fulfill all righteousness”? We must seek to know and do God’s will for our lives every day. Jesus gave us the teaching and the example we need to make God a constant part of everything we do.
Loving Lord, in these noisy and difficult times help us to listen for Your word, hearing the call You place on each of us to share Your love and mercy with the world. Amen.