This Sunday, we continue our Epiphany journey by standing with Jesus at the Jordan River.

At first glance, Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:11-17 can feel puzzling, even unnecessary. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? Why would the One who comes to save sinners choose to stand among them?

And yet, this moment reveals something breathtaking about the heart of God.

Jesus steps into the water not because He needs cleansing, but because we do. He enters the place of repentance, humility, and surrender to show us what God is truly like. This is not a God who saves from a distance, but a God who draws near, lower still, meeting us in our need, our brokenness, and our longing for renewal.

Many of us carry questions into this new year:

Am I too far gone?

Does God grow tired of my weakness or failure?

Can real change and growth happen in my life?

At Jesus' baptism, heaven answers those questions.
The Spirit descends.
The Father speaks delight.
And the mission of rescue moves forward, not through power or force, but through humility and love.