January 20, 2025

John the Baptist comes on the scene to introduce our Savior Jesus Christ to the world. He started his ministry by preaching to the country people first; why do you think that was? Country people keep to themselves and are less likely seen as sinners. However, because they weren’t mixed in with the city lifestyle, it doesn’t mean they weren’t sinners; to the contrary. No matter where you live in this world, you are still in the world unless you have confessed your sin and made Jesus your King and Savior. The Pharisees and Sadducees heard about John’s ministry and came to his baptisms. When he saw them he called them out for their hypocrisy. They were all given a warning to repent. Then Jesus appeared and called on John to baptize him; at first, he refused in humility, but he didn’t let his humility cause him to disobey, so he baptized our sinless Savior. When Jesus came up from the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon him, and there began the ministry of Jesus. Don’t let your humility or perceived humility cause you to disobey God’s calling. Even if you feel unqualified step up when God tells you it’s time. For this reason, God tells us not to rehearse our strategy when we are before kings or judges, and I would also include laypeople: let the Holy Spirit fill your mouth with the words that God knows they need to hear. 

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17