During Lent, our Link articles will bring a brief devotional each week on Jesus’ journey to the cross from the Lent readings for this year.

This past Sunday at Unley Park Kids, we took a journey back in time to the Jordan River – diving head first into the story of Jesus’ baptism in Mark 3:9-15. It’s this small section of text that we can easily read and overlook.

The story jumps straight into John the Baptist baptising Jesus. Cool. Wait. What?

First of all, John the Baptist – what a character. Even he was surprised that Jesus came to him to be baptised (Matt 3:14).

And secondly, of all the people in the world to be baptised, why Jesus? Great question, glad you asked. Jesus simply says: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness (Matt 3:15).”

The story moves quick. Jesus is baptised. The heaven’s open. The Spirit descends on him like a dove. A voice declares: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Jesus was obedient and confident in his calling to be baptised, undeterred and unwavering. John was obedient to Jesus, despite his own humility and potential insecurity. God was faithful, generous in His love and affirmation.

I wonder what Jesus is calling us to that requires our obedience and trust, in place of our doubt, our insecurity and our mistrust of his goodness. I can think of a long list of places in my life and my heart where Jesus is inviting me to choose the path that is not only pleasing to Him but is also best for me and yes, one that is also many times completely unexpected (hmm…kinda like John baptising Jesus).

What about you? What is Jesus calling you to that is greater than your doubt, insecurity or mistrust? And then…what are you going to do about it?

In Him,

Chris

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