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 A collective reflection on God’s grace and our chances for renewal Saturday, March 8, 2025 |
| Alongside us Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-22 Jesus began his ministry by being baptized, which seemed perplexing even to John the Baptist, who was sent as a messenger ahead of Jesus to pave the way for his coming. Why was it even necessary for Jesus to be baptized, when he was fully God, already white as snow, without blemish or sin to wash away? Fully God, yes, but Jesus was also fully man. Whether paying the poll tax to Caesar, partaking in the Passover, or entering the river for baptism, Jesus shows us that he isn’t a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ deity. He’s our savior who instructs us, but also joins us. He doesn’t ask anything of us that he is unwilling to enter into alongside us, whether it’s ceremony or suffering. Jesus isn’t just a lofty messiah on high above us, he is Immanuel…God with us. In his time on earth, Jesus gave us practical instruction for this life he calls us into. He taught us how to pray, explained who our neighbors are, modeled what forgiveness looks like, and showed us how to crack our hearts open to a whole new depth and breadth of revealed love. When Jesus entered the waters for baptism, it was one more way for him to reach out his hand and say, “Come, follow me, I’ll show you how to do this.” Jesus is our rescuer, intercessor, king of kings and Lord of Lords, worthy of all reverence and praise, triumphant and mighty. Yet in his example to the disciples and a watching world, we also see Jesus is gentle and humble, defender of the marginalized, a protective shepherd, a compassionate friend, and a wise instructor. Maybe this is why, more than any other name (63 times!), the gospels referred to Jesus as ‘Rabbi’…teacher. By Debbie Smith PRAYER FOR TODAY Rabbi, Lord, Friend of mine, Jesus. Teach me your ways, help me to follow your example. Show me how to love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with you. Thank you for reaching down for us so we can rise up with you. Amen. The reflections in this collection are offered as a guide to deepen our understanding of God’s grace, to consider the places Jesus walked in his day, and to renew our commitment to our spiritual journey. We begin at the river (March 5 – 8), a theme that echoes throughout the Bible and speaks directly to our path of reflection and renewal. Rivers, in their varied forms, represent life, cleansing, and transformative passage. They can be seen as sources of divine provision or instruments of judgment and chaos. During this season of Lent, we are invited to contemplate the flowing currents of our lives, to examine where we find life-giving sustenance, where we need purification, and what transitions God calls us to make. May these readings guide us toward a deeper understanding of and connection with Jesus. Sincerely, The Journey Team |
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