Pastor's Corner - 1/21
Published January 21, 2026
Luke 3 reminds us that before Jesus is revealed publicly, God calls His people to prepare their hearts. John the Baptist does not invite people to improve themselves or manage appearances. He calls them to repent. Repentance is not simply feeling bad about sin. It is a turning of the heart that makes room for God’s work.
The turning point of the chapter comes when Jesus steps into the waters of baptism. Though He has no sin to confess, He identifies fully with sinners and stands where we should stand. As He comes up from the water, the Father declares His pleasure, and the Spirit descends in peace. Repentance does not end in fear but in welcome. Because Christ has come, God calls us to repent, be transformed, and come to the Father. This invitation rests not on our effort, but on the finished work of His Son.
The turning point of the chapter comes when Jesus steps into the waters of baptism. Though He has no sin to confess, He identifies fully with sinners and stands where we should stand. As He comes up from the water, the Father declares His pleasure, and the Spirit descends in peace. Repentance does not end in fear but in welcome. Because Christ has come, God calls us to repent, be transformed, and come to the Father. This invitation rests not on our effort, but on the finished work of His Son.
Dear Church, may we prepare our hearts with humility and trust, and may our repentance always lead us back to the joy of being called God’s beloved child.