Luke 3

The last section of Luke 3 is about Jesus baptism.  I hadn’t really payed much attention to how it happened before.  Take a close look to what scripture tells us: “After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized”.  Anything catch your attention there?  It sure did mine.  This is the Son of God we are talking about.  He didn’t cut to the front of the line.  He was last into the water.  Servant leadership at its finest here men.  Jesus didn’t demand the front of the pack, the center of attention, the marquee spot.  He was content to be baptized when everyone else had their chance.  Is that how you lead?  Do you put others in front even if you actually pull rank?  Sometimes it is important for the leader to be in front so others have someone to follow.  But at times, it is important to lead like Jesus and not get wrapped up in who is out front and in the limelight.  As we look a little farther, those things took care of themselves as God has a dove descend upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit “came down on Him”.  But look what happened before that.  Scripture says “as He was praying the sky opened up”.  Jesus is connected to the Father guys.  He is in prayer even here in the water of baptism. He isn’t focused on what is happening right around Him.  He is focused on the Father.  Oh that I could learn to be disciplined like that and really pray no matter what was going on.  God speaks and removes all doubt about who Jesus is: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life”.  Have you thought about the fact that we are children of God?  You too are chosen and marked by God’s love.  You too are the pride of His eye.  Jesus models servant leadership and being connected to the source here for us.  He is tuned in and on task for the Father.  And God’s response is predictable – He is pleased.  We serve the same God.  The same predictability awaits us as well.  We just need to lead like Jesus!