Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 4Sample

In Matthew 3, we see John the Baptist preaching something that the Jewish people had believed, had hoped for, for hundreds of years. The prophet Isaiah had spoken about John bringing this message. A message of hope, forgiveness and freedom. A message of an anointed king coming to baptize all in the Holy Spirit and fire whilst John was baptizing people in water for repentance.

Then Jesus arrives at the Jordan, and let’s say it may seem as if John oversold it a bit as the Jewish people were ready for a “sort you out”, a “we’re ready for war” kind of king.

Instead, they encounter Jesus. The one who humbly stands before John to be baptized.

A different kind of King with a different kind of kingdom.

And before Jesus started with the work of this kingdom, God confirmed His good pleasure in and His love for Jesus. The father calls Him His beloved.

May you realize that the same voice from Heaven is speaking to you as well, affirming you as His beloved in Christ before you can do anything to deserve it. And the same Spirit is equipping you so that you can represent this kingdom, the kingdom of the Beloved.