Life is full of moments that have the potential to create memories. Winter days give us opportunities to sled down hills on cardboard boxes. Summer afternoons set the stage for runs through sprinklers and popsicles dripping on sidewalks while we anxiously attempt to eat them down before the heat can take them away. Tragedies hold the unfortunate ability to scar our souls, break our trust, and inhibit our walk through life. Moments can create memories if we notice them, and sometimes we notice them whether we want to or not. Memories have the ability to shape the way we look at the world.
In Matthew 3, we see a moment in the life of Jesus that has the ability to shape the way we look at the world. In a moment, John the Baptist looks up from his work, perhaps expecting to see the next contrite soul stepping to the edge of the water for baptism, and he sees Jesus.
The response of John comes as a reflection of the humility in his heart: he insists that Jesus should baptize him.
The way Jesus responds creates an opportunity for a perspective-shaping memory: Jesus, who carries no sin, steps into the position of sinners. He steps into the waters of baptism. The beginning of the ministry of Jesus reflects the humility of the cross where He ultimately stepped into the place of us all.*
We can glean a lot from the story of the Baptism of Jesus, but today we have this moment: Jesus does not first come to us pointing a finger at our sin. He could have easily stood beside John the Baptist and shouted “repent!” Indeed, Jesus does call us to repentance, but in this moment, Jesus stepped into the waters as a leader. Humbly willing to go first into the place that He invites each of us, He led the way in righteousness being fulfilled.
Jesus calls us to repentance, but first, He wants you and I to know that He is right there with us, standing and welcoming us into the waters of transformation.
We must call the world to repentance, to experience a whole-life change, but first, we must let them know that we, like Jesus, are right there beside them.
Today, take just one step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is knowing that the name of Jesus, Immanuel, means that Jesus comes beside and before you to make a way for righteousness. Maybe today the one step Jesus invites you into is looking at the world through a Savior who does not condemn, but saves by leading the way to righteousness. Maybe today the one step is a decision to lead sinners to salvation by going first. Maybe in looking at Jesus differently, God invites us to look at ourselves differently. Maybe the step is to notice.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Insights on the baptism of Jesus: Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992.