Teenside Daily Devotional

3/30/20

Read Matthew 3:13-17.

When reading this passage, one question comes to mind: why did Jesus need to be baptized? After all, he was perfect, and baptism (even John’s baptism for repentance) seems to be specifically for those that sin. However, looking closer at the passage, we can see a few reasons as to why this needed to happen. Firstly, Jesus needed to connect his ministry to John’s. Up until this point, the Messiah that John proclaimed was coming had no face, no identity. Now that Jesus was ready to start his ministry, he needed people to see him and know who he was. This would have confirmed everything John had been saying, boosting his opportunities to minister moving forward. It would also endorse the action of getting baptized for anyone who would have been hesitant to participate before then. Secondly, Jesus needed to receive the Holy Spirit of God. Even though it is unclear why baptism was the time that this would result in this happening, all we know is that it did happen. Although Jesus was God himself, if he were going to do the works he needed to do so that people would believe, he would need the help of the Spirit. In this way, he could remain fully man and still fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. Finally, he needed God’s blessing before he could proceed. Jesus didn’t want to take this journey alone. He wanted his Father to be there every step of the way. And sure enough, he receives it. God is so ready and willing to give it. This is His son, the Son of God! He will soon begin his path to the cross, which we would be hopeless without.

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*

Today’s questions have a few additional verses— take the time to look them up! They’ll bless you.
 

1.   Although Jesus was perfect, he submitted himself to the will of God. He became one with the Spirit in baptism and chose to remain in him. We see this throughout the course of Jesus’ ministry, but this is where it starts. In the beginning of his ministry, Jesus chooses to submit himself to the guiding of the Holy Spirit.

Before you begin your day, before facing something challenging, before making a decision,         even in the little things, what is your first step? Do you choose the leading of the Holy Spirit?   If we’re being honest, that is sometimes a difficult first choice. Practically, what does it look  like to choose the Holy Spirit first?

2.   In the last question the word remain is bolded. In these verses, Jesus takes the first step towards choosing the Spirit’s guidance, but it doesn’t end there. He walks hand in hand with the Spirit into everything from that point on. Read John 15:4-5, 9-10. Before anything, Jesus chooses to remain (abide) in the Spirit. What does it mean to remain (abide)?

3. Disappointment is heavy on a lot of hearts right now. I want to assure you that it’s okay because Jesus can handle it. Our life has not been looking the way we’ve planned for it to. But just think... how much more is he calling us now to remain in him?

     Read John 15:11. Then, read John 16:32-33.
 Jesus was left alone by people, but he knew that he was not completely alone.  Because he   had chosen to remain, He was never completely alone. Jesus understands us because he was  in the same place… and he says to take heart. He has overcome the world and gives us peace   to overcome when we are alone and dealing with disappointment.

What places in your life do you need to take the first step towards choosing the Spirit’s  guidance? What places do you need to continue to remain?

4. What does John 16:32-33 mean to you right now?

Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Pray over any   disappointments you may be experiencing now. Allow God to fill you with the joy and peace that comes through remaining in him.