January 12, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

“You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” (Luke 3:22)

Why did the sinless Jesus come to be baptized by John if baptism is for repentance and forgiveness of sins? To identify with sinners in radical solidarity. Instead of condemning, He stood alongside us and took our sin upon Himself so He could neutralize its power and set us free from it. This made His Father proudly say "This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased."

Like Jesus, we will also please our heavenly Father if we likewise in humility look out for the interests of others, lifting them up instead of tearing them down and forgiving them instead of pointing a finger. It may mean giving up our rights and privileges and even suffering, but for the joy set before us, we can endure. Like Jesus.