Mark 1:8-11 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:8-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Verse 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Verse 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Verse 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotion
Jesus went to be baptized by John. He who has no sin joined the sinners who had come to confess their sins and repent. Jesus makes it clear that He is "one with us." For me, this oneness is signified the moment Jesus picks up the cross.
As Jesus came out of the water, God parted the heavens and the Spirit descended, like a dove. Jesus heard His Father's voice: "You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased." Anointed with the Spirit, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. He is "turned loose" on this planet and the universe is changed forever.
And we, the baptized, are filled with the Spirit, "buried with him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life”; we are "cut loose" to follow Him and to "go, make disciples."
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, as you were let loose in the world to change it from darkness to light, come to us and let yourself loose in us. Amen.