Jesus Christ Baptized in the Jordan River
Mark 1:1-11
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, the voice of one shouting in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’” In the wilderness John the baptizer began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem were going out to him, and he was baptizing them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Now in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.” (NET)
Think About It!
Jesus did not need to be baptized by John, and Jesus did not need to repent of sin. John needed to be baptized and cleansed by Jesus, not the other way around! Jesus, God's son, humbled himself before God and men. God uses humble people to bless the world.
Some are willing to call Jesus, “man, prophet, and teacher,” but not the son of God. We know this: God called Jesus His Son. As God's son, Jesus is the Savior of the world and He came to be your Savior too. Through Jesus alone, the doors of heaven open so you can live forever with Father God. A father who loves you. Jesus, said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Do It!
Be humble. Know and admit your sins. Ask God for help. Ask daily.
Stand On It!
God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6
The Baptism of Christ
Adam Elsheimer about 1599
Located at The National Gallery of London
Make Your Mark!
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Write: Be humble.