luke 3: be baptized

Today’s Reading: Luke 3

“And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:22

Just as Gabriel foretold in Chapter 1, John grew to be a man of God, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and exhorting, or urging, people to turn away from their sins. He encouraged people to change and stop living the way they had always lived. Anyone from tax collectors to soldiers came to him to be baptized and gain wisdom on how they could live differently.

In addition to the countless people who came to be baptized, Jesus came as well. Why? He had never sinned. He had no need to repent or be forgiven. Jesus was baptized to set an example for us all. His baptism was like no other with the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove and the heavens opening with a voice coming forth proclaiming he was the Son of God. I am sure everyone around stopped what they were doing and focused on him and the beautiful scene!

Have you been baptized yet? As I said, Jesus didn’t need to be baptized, but he did in order to set an example for all believers. I know it can be a scary event having to be in front of people, but it’s really not that bad! If you have been waiting to be baptized, pray that God would give you the strength and courage and know that you will be surrounded by other believers who will support you and cheer you on in your decision!