Marshmallows. Toothpicks. One Bible. Four kids.

That's what Family Night looked like for us as my children sat proudly beside their marshmallow-and-toothpick creations from the evening's activity. Together, we flipped to the New Testament and read about Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. We talked about temptation, about Jesus' complete dependence on His Father, and about the same help that is available to us when we face temptation.
 
Though the lesson wasn’t about baptism, my mind couldn’t help but wander to these connected events. Right before this passage, we see Jesus being baptized. He is then led by the Spirit to the wilderness where He fasts for 40 days.

It's an interesting sequence: the good and God-ordained practices of baptism and fasting, followed by temptation.
 
It’s a reminder that the enemy delights in interrupting God's work through distraction, deception, and discouragement. Luke tells us that after every temptation had ended, "the devil departed from Him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13). The enemy’s opposition is intentional and persistent. We shouldn’t be surprised when he tries to do the same in our own stories, especially when taking steps of obedience.

Friends, take heart! Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)! We know God holds the victory over all powers and dominions, all sin and all darkness, and every single one of Satan’s schemes.
 
We see Satan meddle. But we also see God’s full heart on display. When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open and the voice from heaven proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, but He is not alone. God provides angels to minister to Him (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:11).

After leaving the wilderness, Jesus begins proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom: "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:14–15).
 
If you've repented and believe, share this good news with your neighbors, your friends, your family, and yes—even through baptism.

We are living testimonies of God’s goodness. Following Jesus’ own example, baptism is a beautiful opportunity to publicly proclaim God’s work in our lives and to give Him the glory due His name! It doesn’t save us, but it points us to the One who does.
 
If you're a follower of Jesus and haven't been baptized, I'd encourage you to ask yourself why. Maybe it's uncertainty about baptism. Maybe it's fear of standing in front of people. Maybe you've convinced yourself you can always do it later. Or maybe you simply haven't given it much thought at all.

There is no shame or condemnation in asking the Lord to lead you. He is a loving Shepherd who welcomes honest questions and faithfully directs His people.
 
We'd love to open God's Word with you, answer your questions, and walk alongside you as you prayerfully consider baptism. Our baptism class begins this coming Sunday. It isn't a commitment to be baptized—it's simply an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and prayerfully consider whether this is your next step of faithful obedience.