Slices
Prepare
God’s declarations of love for his children are powerful and personal. How much are you able and willing to receive and delight in the words that speak of God’s love for you personally? Invite God’s help in this.
Bible passage
The baptism of Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’
15 Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, 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. 17 And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’
Explore
Jesus receives the deepest affirmation we all desire: that he is loved and delighted in. It seems he was given it more than once, as the same words and ideas are expressed again at the transfiguration (17:1–9). Was this the basic human need to be affirmed? Perhaps it was also a clear and public declaration for others to begin to grasp just who on earth Jesus actually was.
Genesis 22 also speaks of the ‘beloved son’ Isaac, so the concept of the beloved son involved a willingness to sacrifice life. That’s not such a comforting thought for us! We may want the loving affirmation of God but prefer not to offer the sacrificial commitment that being his child might entail. Baptism in water and the Holy Spirit is a crucial step in leaving behind the old life and taking on our new identities, beloved, called, equipped and strengthened to face whatever the result of repentance might mean for us. Jesus certainly didn’t need this but we certainly do!
Respond
Give thanks for your own baptism, however long ago. Recall those who have supported, prayed for and taught you in the years since. Rejoice in your calling to become a beloved child of God.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Zechariah 9,10; Psalm 148
Pray for Scripture Union
SU’s staff are spread all around England and Wales. Pray for them as they seek to find creative ways to build and strengthen relationships across the various regions and teams. Ask God to bless this collaboration to bring even more creative mission-focused ideas to life.