The Message
At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”
At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.
- Are you living in submission to the Father? Jesus placed himself under the authority that God had ordained—John—to be baptized. God is not a mean boss, a disapproving father. Look at how he responds to Jesus’s submission, “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love.” This same favor is extended to all who submit to him.
- What voice are you listening to? God’s voice is one of favor and delight. Even in moments of conviction, God’s love is spoken. Other voices, however, tell us we are not good enough for God’s love, have sinned too greatly, lack the right gifts to be useful, or will only mess up God’s work.
- Are you willing to follow the Spirit? Following the Spirit might take us into surprising places. Jesus, after being baptized and receiving the Spirit, does not march into the ministry of healing and preaching, but rather enters the wilderness for a period of temptation.