Week One

Baptism and Temptation

The Jordan River and the Wilderness

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. (Mark 1:9-13 NIV)

Monday

Baptism and Forgiveness

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5 NRSV)

The Jordan River, where John was baptizing, was an eight-hour walk through the desert from Jerusalem. Yet Mark tells us that many from Jerusalem made the trek to hear John preach and to be immersed by him in the Jordan. Why did they walk eight hours, some more, to answer John's call to repent?

John dressed in the garments of a prophet. He spoke powerfully. People came believing that God had sent this man, and that his message was from God. He called the people to repent and to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. What John offered at the Jordan was God's forgiveness and a chance to begin anew. Which of us doesn't long for this at times?

She was in her thirties and had lived a hard life. She began attending our church, yearning for a new beginning. She had come to be baptized, and I spoke with her about the meaning of this act. In my tribe (Methodists), baptism has a kaleidoscope of meanings. Among these, it is a dramatic sign of God's grace and mercy—his willingness to wash us and make us new. It is an outward sign of God's forgiveness.

As she approached the baptistery she had tears in her eyes. She asked, "Pastor Adam, does God really forgive all that I've done? I've done a lot of terrible things." I assured her that as she came to God, repentant, he would forgive it all. And I reminded her that Christian baptism is a sign not only of God's forgiveness for sins in the past, but a promise of forgiveness when, in the future, we stumble and need his grace. And thus, with her baptism, she began a new life.

Do you ever feel a yearning for forgiveness and a new beginning? Every morning as I step into the shower, I remember my baptism and ask God to wash me and make me new. At times I feel a profound sense of my own sin and my longing for his grace. At other times I simply know that there are ways in which I have not lived up to his calling on my life. Either way, I recall with gratitude God's forgiveness and his claim upon my life.

If you have yet to be baptized, speak with your pastor about this profound act. If you have been baptized, remember your baptism each day as you bathe, inviting God, once again, to wash you and cover you by his grace.

Lord, in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done and what I have left undone, I have sinned against you and others. Remember the promise you made at my baptism, and wash me anew. I call upon the grace you offer us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Tuesday

Fruits Worthy of Repentance

[And John said to them,] "Bear fruits worthy of repentance." ... And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." (Luke 3:8-11 NRSV)

Repentance involves the entire person: head, heart, and hands. The word in Greek, metanoia, means literally to "think differently afterward" and signifies a change of thinking that leads to a change of heart that leads ultimately to a change in behavior. It is not enough, John said to the multitudes who came to be baptized, to step into the water. Repentance is accompanied by a change in life—there must be fruit born of repentance and baptism.

It is interesting to note that in Luke's gospel, when the people asked what this fruit looked like, all three of John's responses were economic in nature. Fruit worthy of repentance involved a person who had two coats sharing one with a person who had none (verse 11). For tax collectors, it was making sure not to overcharge people when collecting taxes (verse 13). And for soldiers, it was refusing to extort money through false accusations and being content with their pay (verse 14).

John's list wasn't comprehensive, but it was interesting nonetheless. If you and I are seeking to live as those who are repentant sinners—as those who wish to live for God—then we'll share with those in need, we'll be fair in our business dealings, and we'll be content with our pay.

My experience is that people who live this way—who are generous and giving, who seek to be honest and fair, and who are not focused on constantly yearning for more—are happier in life and usually more successful. Who do you admire more: people who are generous or people who are greedy? Who would you rather do business with: people who only look out for themselves or people who have your best interests at heart? Who would you rather have as a friend: people who are never content and slander others or people who are content with what they have and speak well of others?

Reed lives by John's list. A banker and a member of the church I serve, he's one of a...