11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. - P92
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." - P93
Many people come to the Jordan River to be baptized, but John the Baptist explains that his water baptism is for repentance. There is someone much greater and more powerful who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire, empowering and equipping God’s people to serve His kingdom. - P94
Jesus will also execute judgment, separating faithful believers from the wicked and unrepentant. We are reminded that we are empowered to do God’s work, but we are not to be prideful about it. - P94
John the Baptist understood that his impressive ministry was not about his own recognition. Likewise, our ministry is about faithfully directing people to the Savior who both equips and judges His people. - P94
Jesus approaches John to be baptized even though He is sinless and has noneed for repentance. His humility in identifying with sinful humanity soshocks John that he initially tries to deter Him. However, Jesus explainsthat His baptism is part of God‘s will. A powerful moment follows, wherewe see the Triune God: the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Fatherspeaks from heaven, affirming that Jesus is His beloved Son. This affirma-tion marks the beginning of Jesus‘ public ministry. - P94
His example challengesus to embrace obedience even when it requires us to humble ourselves. Inserving God and His people, we should not be concerned with recognitionfrom others but find security in God‘s affirmation that we are His belovedchildren. - P94
Father, I want to follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience. May I be sensitive to Your Spirit and secure in Your love, seeking Your approval above all else. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P94
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