John's ministry is to prepare the way for the Lord. That means the true King, God himself, is stepping into human history. What will the King do? In this short passage, we see that the King has a baptism he brings, and a baptism he receives. In these two baptisms, we get a picture of the whole of the Christian life. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, meaning he brings you into contact with God himself. If you submit to him, he will transform you into something more glorious than you can imagine. If you reject him, it will leave you eternally empty. But Jesus also is baptized for you, identifying with us not just in the water with John but on the cross in our place. He goes into the fire of God's judgment so you might be redeemed and refined.

1. Do you ever engage in Christian activities without looking to connect with God? How can you look to interact with God through regular Christian practices like Bible reading, prayer, community, and corporate worship?
2. Can you describe a time when the fires of life refined you into someone more holy? What in your life right now might be having the same effect?
3. How does Jesus' own baptism show you he is trustworthy? How might that lead you to trust and obey him more?