Matthew 3:1-6
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Matthew 3:1-6 taking note of any questions or thoughts that arise as you read.
An insect eating prophet dressed in camel hair isn’t exactly the image that might spring to mind as the best choice for the forerunner of a king, but here is John with all his eccentricities, preparing the way for the King who reigns supreme overall. What a perfect illustration of surprising nature of the kingdom of God where the ways and values of the world are turned upside down.
The Israelite people obviously sense that there is something surprisingly right about John’s message. Perhaps at first motivated by curiosity, they come from all over to see this cultural anomaly, but once they hear his message they are gripped with a desire to turn away from their worthless ways of life and turn toward God.
Imagine for a moment that John the Baptizer is calling out to you: “Repent of your sins and turn to God for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and point out any acts or areas of rebellion that might be obstructing your ability to experience Jesus fully. Stay with this time of confession until you are ready to move on.
Read Matthew 3:1-6 again paying special attention to the last words of the passage.
In the narrative of the Older Testament, God led people through bodies of water at a couple of critical times. The Israelites, led by Moses, were rescued from their captors by passing through the Red Sea, and after 40 years of wandering, the Israelites passed through the Jordan River to realize the God’s promise to Abraham. For the people of Israel, water was also a symbol of cleansing from sin in many of their God-given rituals. Now John calls the remnant of Israel to enter the waters of the Jordan again to be cleansed of their rebellion and freed from their captivity to sin.
Think back to the acts or areas of rebellion that you confessed just a moment ago. Picture yourself entering the waters of rescue and cleansing, and then picture yourself drenched with the mercy and grace of Jesus.
Take a minute or two to express your thoughts and feelings to Jesus about this, and then get quiet and listen to him.
Is there an action Jesus is calling you to take today?
What will you do about that?
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