Daily Devotion

Sunday, January 11, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 3:13–17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (NRSV)

Reflection

Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River — which marks the official beginning of Christ’s public ministry — is one of just a handful of passages to appear in each of the four Gospels, offering our first glimpse into Jesus’ relationship with God. Yet for all that this passage has to say about who Jesus is, I found myself reflecting far more on John the Baptist as I read this familiar text, specifically his reticence to be the one to baptize Christ in verse 14.

John stands in a long line of biblical figures who initially feel unworthy to answer God’s call. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Gideon, and Peter all express similar reservations about their ability to live up to what God was asking of them. For John, the issue is around baptizing someone whom he knows is his superior. As he puts it in the Gospel of John, “I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal” (John 1:27).

Surely many of us can relate to experiencing self-doubt around our own worthiness, or suffering from “imposter syndrome,” whether in our personal or professional lives. When we look at some of the great things others around us are doing — or, in John’s case, standing next to the Messiah! — we cannot help but feel like what we have to offer pales in comparison. Yet as we celebrate Baptism of our Lord Sunday today, the truth is all of us have been known, claimed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit in our baptisms, called into ministry and service in places both comfortable and uncomfortable. We may not feel like we are enough, but God’s promise to us is that we are.

Prayer

Loving God, in the waters of baptism you remind us that there is nothing that can separate us from your love. As your beloved children, help us to embrace your call wherever it might lead us, trusting that we are indeed enough. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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