Today’s story is about getting ready for Jesus, someone who is really special.
John was calling out to all the people, “Get ready! Get ready! Someone special is coming!”
“Who is coming?” the people asked.
“Someone special is coming from God,” replied John.
“How do we have to get ready?” the people asked.
“Say sorry for the wrong things you’ve done,” John told
them, “and come to the river and be baptised.”
One day, John saw Jesus coming. At once he knew that God had sent that person he had promised. And that person was Jesus!
“Baptise me!” Jesus said to John.
“But you’re God’s special one,” John said. “I can’t baptise you.”
“It’s what God wants just now,” Jesus told him.
So John baptised Jesus. Then two special things happened.
A beautiful white bird came to rest on Jesus, to show that the Holy Spirit was there to help Jesus, and God’s gentle voice was heard saying, “Jesus is my own Son, and I am very pleased with him.”
After this Jesus went into the desert. He wanted to be alone.
Alone, so that he could think about the work God wanted him to do.
A voice spoke to Jesus, telling him, “God has given you power. Turn these stones into bread so you won’t be hungry.”
Jesus said, “No. I will do things God’s way. That is more
important than having food.”
The voice said, “Jump off a high tower. God’s angels will
save you. Everyone will listen to you then!”
Jesus said, “I will do things God’s way. God does not want me to show off.”
He heard the voice again, “Look around you. You could be king of everything.”
Jesus said, “I will do things God’s way. God is the true king of all the world.”
Jesus knew now that he was ready to do the work that God wanted him to do, and he would do it God’s way.
From Matthew 3:13-17 & Luke 4:1-13
