When Jesus Wades In

Reflection for January 11, 2026 — The Baptism of the Lord

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. A voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Find the daily reading here.

Usually, when God comes to us, we aren’t ready.

We think we are. Like John the Baptist, we stand in our waters of baptism, certain of our mission. We know how it’s going to go. We know what’s going to be asked of us. We’re sure of it.

Christ wades into the waters. And he screws up all our plans.



To be clear, I don’t think John the Baptist lacks faith when he balks at the idea of baptizing Jesus. I think it is, in fact, a testament to his humility. But whatever motivated John’s actions, he is — if even for a brief moment — hesitating to do the will of God. Just a few chapters after this in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus will acknowledge that John is the greatest person “born of women” — with the caveat that even he is not perfect enough for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Not yet.

Jesus didn’t give John an explanation as the two stood in the River Jordan. He merely said, “Allow it for now.” John could have resisted further, demanding to understand why. He could have grown suspicious at the simplicity of Jesus’ answer, at the strangeness of this request. He could have clung desperately to his version of How Things Are Supposed To Be, and in doing so, fostered doubt in his heart. He could have even stormed off, confused and angry.

He did none of these things, because John is, as Jesus says, the greatest born of women.

When the Holy Spirit descends and the voice of God declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” he is referring, of course, to Jesus. But I think He would say the same of John the Baptist — and of all those who welcome Jesus into the waters, ready to do as he bids.

©LPi