Good morning. It’s Sunday, January 6th, aka National Shortbread Day.

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

Jesus’ baptism raises an important question. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. People were confessing sins and turning back to God. Yet Jesus, who never sinned, walks into the Jordan River and asks to be baptized anyway.

John immediately recognizes the tension.

Matthew 3:14 (NIV)

“John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’”

Scripture is clear that Jesus did not need repentance.

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

“He has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

So Jesus’ baptism was not about cleansing Himself from sin. Jesus explains His reason plainly.

Matthew 3:15 (NIV)

“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

In Scripture, righteousness often refers to obedience to God’s will. Jesus is not submitting to baptism because He must, but because obedience to the Father matters. From the very beginning of His public ministry, Jesus chooses submission, humility, and faithfulness.

Jesus’ baptism also shows identification. He steps into the water alongside sinners rather than remaining distant from them. He does not separate Himself from broken people. Instead, He stands where they stand. This aligns with the prophetic picture of the Messiah, who would be counted among those He came to save.

Isaiah 53:12 (NIV)

“For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Immediately after Jesus is baptized, something extraordinary happens.

Matthew 3:16–17 (NIV)

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”

The timing of this moment matters. Jesus has not yet preached publicly or performed miracles. God’s declaration of pleasure comes before public achievement. Scripture shows that Jesus is affirmed based on His identity as the Son, not His accomplishments.

Jesus’ baptism also marks the beginning of His ministry. Immediately afterward, He is led into the wilderness to be tempted, then begins preaching and calling disciples. The baptism serves as the public starting point of His mission.

Later, Jesus commands His followers to be baptized as part of discipleship.

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus does not ask others to obey in ways He avoided Himself. His baptism models obedience, humility, and trust in God’s plan.

Jesus was baptized not because He needed repentance, but because He chose obedience. He identified with sinners, affirmed God’s will, and marked the beginning of His redemptive work.

Jesus went first so others could follow.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, You delight in obedience, humility and righteousness fulfilled through Your Son.

Confession: Forgive me for resisting obedience when it feels unnecessary, uncomfortable, or unexplained.

Thanksgiving: Thank You Jesus for identifying with sinners and going first faithfully.

Supplication: Help me obey fully, trust Your timing, and follow Jesus boldly.

In Jesus name, Amen

“God, I’m Tired” by DcrypTos

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God