God at Rock Bottom
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
When Jesus steps into the waters of the Jordan, he does something unexpected. He joins a baptism for sinners – a baptism he does not need. He goes down into the river, to the very bottom, to the place where people come when they’ve run out of options, when their own strength has failed, when they are desperate for a new direction.
And there, he says: Let it be so now. It is proper in this way for us to fulfill all righteousness.
This is not the righteousness of distance or perfection. It is the righteousness of mercy. Of turning. Of reaching. Of walking straight into the depths to find us. Jesus turns toward us so that we might turn toward God. He meets us where we are, takes us by the hand, and walks us home.
You do not have to climb your way up to God. You only need to be willing to be found, turned, and led.
Reflection Questions
Where in your life do you feel at the bottom – spiritually, emotionally, or relationally?
How do you respond to the idea that Jesus enters the waters not to be cleansed, but to meet us there?
What does it mean to you that God’s righteousness is revealed in turning toward us, not standing apart from us?
Where is God inviting you to stop striving and instead let him take your hand?
How might this picture of baptism change the way you see your own journey of faith?
