Day 2 - Feb. 19

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. Mark 1:9-13

Do you remember the day you were baptized? Or were you present in church on a day when a child or member was baptized? It is always such a beautiful moment when the body of Christ stands together and promises to be there and support this newest member of the family. During his baptism, Jesus was welcomed by his Father with a voice calling out from heaven and the Spirit of the Lord descending to him. Yet, that moment of glory was short-lived as he immediately was alone in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Jesus experienced what many of us feel as we come down from a mountaintop experience and find ourselves in a dark valley. Yet, this passage is full of hope and encouragement. Jesus calls his disciples, not as one who is separate from them, but as one who is walking those highs and lows right alongside them. In Jesus, we have a Savior who understands and empathizes with his followers.