Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him… And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” (Matthew 3:13-15, 16 NLT)

At one point in our lives, I’m sure we have all felt one specific thing: uncomfortable. Maybe you feel uncomfortable when you have to go into a large crowd because you are introverted (me!). Or maybe you feel uncomfortable when there’s an awkward silence in the room. There’s an infinite number of reasons why you may feel uncomfortable, and everyone has different things that make them uncomfortable. 

What if there’s a reason for our discomfort? And what if the key to finding that reason is stepping outside of our comfort zone?

Many biblical characters step outside of their comfort zone, and one of them just happens to be part of this week’s passage!

John the Baptist was called “the Baptist,” not because he was part of the Baptist denomination, but because he quite literally baptized people. Jesus wanted to be baptized by John, but when He talked to John about it, John got uncomfortable. And understandably so! Jesus, the Messiah, was asking an ordinary human to baptize Him. But when Jesus says that it is necessary for carrying out God’s will, John agrees (vs. 15). After the baptism, John hears a voice from heaven say, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. (vs. 17)” 

Obviously God loved Jesus before he was baptized, but John stepping out of his comfort zone was a factor in God explicitly stating how pleased he was.

Sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to better things, and even be pleasing to God!

What’s something that makes you uncomfortable? How could you step outside of your comfort zone for the glory of God? Maybe by walking into that huge crowd, you will meet a new friend who needs some encouragement. Or maybe that awkward silence will be the perfect time to share the Gospel with someone!