Jesus at the Jordan
Today's focusJesus comes to John to be baptised to fulfil all righteousness; as he comes up from the water the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father says, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'
Read
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16And 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: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Reflection
When Jesus approaches the Jordan river, he surprises John by asking for baptism. Even though John recognizes Jesus’ greatness, Jesus insists that they must proceed "to fulfil all righteousness." By stepping into the water, Jesus identifies himself with us and begins his public ministry in humble obedience. His baptism is not just a personal moment, but a necessary step in God’s plan to set everything right.
As Jesus comes "up straightway out of the water," the scene shifts from the riverbank to the heavens. You see the Spirit of God "descending like a dove" to rest upon him, followed by the Father’s voice. In this moment, God declares, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
This passage reminds you that Jesus is the one approved by God. As you follow his journey, you can take comfort in knowing he is the "beloved Son" who has come to fulfill all that God requires. His identity is confirmed by both the Spirit and the Father, giving you a firm foundation for your own faith.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Jesus heard his Father's love spoken over him — what does it mean to you that God calls his children beloved?
Pray
Father, thank you that Jesus humbled himself and was baptised, and that you spoke your love over him. Thank you that in him I too am loved. Help me to follow him in humble obedience.