Baptism of Our Lord

This Sunday January 11th

Isaiah 42:1-9 ~ Psalm 29 ~ Acts 10:34-43 ~ Matthew 3:13-17Read online

The story of Jesus’ baptism is quite brief. It’s what happens right after his baptism that we often focus on. The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus and a voice from heaven says “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” In the context of the Gospel, this event serves as evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, and validation for all that he is going to do. 

The Question of Jesus sonship is not a foregone conclusion in the gospel. His opponents take exception to it. It’s interesting that about half way through the Gospel, during the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:5, the voice from heaven repeats it, “This is my Son, the beloved, with him I am well pleased.” It’s as if, as Jesus begins his journey to the cross, he and the disciples need this affirmation. 

The Apostle Paul reminds us that in baptism we join Jesus in being children of God (Romans 8:17). Baptism is the affirmation that God loves us and claims us. And, like Jesus, sometimes we need that reminder, “you are my child, beloved, with you I am well pleased.” In the Church, that reminder comes as we enter worship and pass by the baptismal font. It comes every time we participated in the baptism of someone else. But, most of all, it comes every day, in God’s love for us. We are God’s children and God is well pleased. 

After reading the scriptures for this day, discuss the following questions with someone else:

1. Share what you know or remember about your baptism.

2. What does it mean to be a child of God to you?

3. When is it hardest for you to remember that you’re a child of God? What could you do to help you remember at those times?