Jesus Meets Us Where We Are!
Sometimes, a single verse in the Bible holds a world of meaning. Matthew 3:13 says, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.” At first glance, it seems like a simple statement, but the depth of this verse is astonishing. Jesus’ decision to leave Galilee and go to the wilderness sets the stage for His ministry—and tells us so much about who He is and what He values.
Leaving Comfort Behind
Galilee was home for Jesus. He grew up there, surrounded by familiar faces and routines. It was a place of comfort and stability. But when the time came for Jesus to begin His ministry, He did not stay in Galilee, nor did He go straight to Jerusalem, the center of religious, political, and cultural power. Instead, He made a deliberate choice to go to the wilderness, where people were gathered seeking God.
This step is significant. Jerusalem might have seemed like the logical choice for someone beginning a ministry. It was the heart of influence and tradition. But Jesus did not seek recognition or status. His first step as an adult and as the Son of God in ministry was to go to the edges—to meet people in their humility and longing for God.
The Wilderness: A Place of Seeking
The wilderness has always been a powerful symbol in the Bible. It is a place of challenge and searching, where people come face to face with their need for God. By going to the wilderness, Jesus identifies with those who are seeking repentance and renewal. He steps into the waters of the Jordan, not because He needs repentance— He is sinless—but to stand alongside humanity.
In this moment, Jesus shows us what it means to align with God’s will. He does not come as a distant observer or a ruler demanding attention. He comes humbly, meeting people where they are, sharing in their journey toward God.
A New Beginning
Matthew’s Gospel does not tell us much about Jesus’ life between His early years and this moment at the Jordan. We do not know what happened during those 30 years. But the first step we see Jesus take as an adult is this one- a step away from comfort and familiarity, a step toward humility and obedience.
This beginning is intentional. It tells us what Jesus values: not power, not prestige, but people. It shows us that His mission is about bringing God’s presence to the places where people are seeking, even if those places are out in the wilderness.
What This Means for Us
Jesus’ choice to leave Galilee and go to the Jordan speaks to us today. It reminds us that following God often means stepping out of our comfort zones. Like Jesus, we are called to leave behind the safe and familiar when God calls us to something greater.
It also challenges us to think about where we find God. Are we looking for him only in places of status or security? Or are we willing to meet Him in the wilderness- in the moments of searching, struggle, and humility?
Jesus’ journey to the Jordan is not just about geography; it is about His heart. He leaves comfort behind, not to seek power in Jerusalem but to meet people in the wilderness. And in doing so, He shows us that God meets us wherever we are—in our doubts, in our struggles, and in our desire for renewal.
So, as we reflect on this moment, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to follow Jesus’ example? Are we ready to leave behind what’s comfortable, to step into places where God is calling us, even if it’s challenging?
The beauty of this first step in Jesus’ ministry is that it is a step toward us. It is a reminder that God does not wait for us to be perfect or ready. He comes to us, just as Jesus came to the wilderness, inviting us to draw closer to Him, wherever we are.
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