If Jesus did not separate Himself from sinners, why would we? This is one of the most challenging applications of Jesus’ baptism. He entered into the mess of human sin and shame. He built relationships with tax collectors, touched lepers, spoke with the woman at...
After Jesus emerged from the waters of baptism, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father spoke: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This was a moment of Trinitarian glory: Father, Son, and Spirit all present...
John the Baptist was understandably confused. Here was the Lamb of God, the One whose sandals John was not worthy to untie, asking to be baptized. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus had no sins to confess, no guilt...
When Jesus arrived at the Jordan River, He had a choice. He could have stood with John up on the bank, calling sinners to repentance. That would have made sense. After all, He was the sinless Son of God. He had every right to stand apart, to keep His distance from the...
It is easy to read past this verse as a mere geographic footnote. Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan. But consider what this means: Jesus traveled approximately 70 miles to reach John the Baptist. This was no casual stroll or accidental encounter. Jesus made a...
