February 19

The Baptism of Jesus

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. — Mark 1:9 BSB

One meaning of Christ’s baptism was that it marked His consecration to His public ministry. For thirty years, He had lived quietly in Nazareth, performing no miracles and revealing no divine glory. But He had come into the world with a clear mission, and now the time had come for Him to begin that mission.

Obeying the Father’s will, Jesus left His home and came to the Jordan to be baptized, setting Himself apart for the ministry of redemption. He knew exactly what this mission involved. As He stood on the banks of the Jordan, He could see the cross in the distance. The shadow of the cross fell on the green banks and the flowing river, and it fell across Jesus’ gentle and holy soul as He stood there. He knew what His baptism meant, and what it would lead to. Yet, knowing all this, He willingly came to be baptized, accepting the mission of redemption.

It was a solemn moment for Jesus as He stood before John, awaiting the act that would set Him apart for His work. It was not just a consecration to service, but a literal offering of Himself, not just for ministry but for death. It is always a solemn moment when anyone stands before God and others to publicly confess Christ and dedicate themselves to His service. The act represents a consecration of a human soul, a commitment to follow Christ for life or for death.

On the seal of an old missionary society, an ox is pictured standing between an altar and a plough, with the motto, “Ready for either”—ready for service or for sacrifice. This should be the heart’s attitude in every public confession of Christ. It is a solemn consecration to Christ, a full surrender of our lives to His service. Such consecration is made by all who publicly give themselves to Christ.