Week 1 | Day 2 THE BAPTISM OF JESUS Matthew 3:1-17 | Mark 1:1-11 | Luke 3:1-23

At the Jordan River, John was baptizing people as a sign of repentance when Jesus stepped into the water—not because He needs repentance, but to fully identify with us and to fulfill all righteousness. Some historians believe that Jesus was fulfilling the necessary requirements to become a recognized rabbi. Nonetheless, as He comes up, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares His pleasure in the Son (Mark 1:11). In that moment, Jesus’ public ministry began. He was recognized as a rabbi with shemika—Spirit-marked authority that allowed Him to interpret the Law and prophets as He originally intended—with John’s witness, the Father’s voice, and the visible anointing of the Spirit all testifying to who He is. In the same way, our baptism marks us as His, reminds us of our new life in Him, and sends us into God’s Great Commission.

Application

1. Remember your marker

If you’ve been baptized, look back to that moment as a spiritual altar—God claimed you as His, and He has not changed His mind.

2. Live what you proclaimed

Let your daily choices match the public confession you made in those waters: “Jesus is Lord of my life and I will lay down my life to follow and serve Him.

3. Walk in newness

Baptism pictures death to the old life and resurrection to a new one—ask the Spirit to help you leave “old you” behind.

4. Own your calling

Your baptism wasn’t the finish line but the starting line—step into the Great Commission as a sent disciple, not as a spectator.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the day Jesus stepped into the Jordan and for the clear witness of Your love and approval of Him. Thank You that, in Christ, I am united with His death and resurrection and called into His mission. Help me live today in line with my baptism—trusting You, walking in newness of life, and boldly following Jesus wherever He leads. In His name, Amen.

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