The Gospel of Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Let us Pray The Collect for the Baptism of our Lord:
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
What we see here is John and Jesus, and that the latter is Messiah, who coming is foretold by John. When Jesus is anointed by the Spirit at his baptism, there is no overlapping between the ministry of John and the ministry of Jesus. We see John the Baptist addressing the people who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. John clarifies that he is not the Christ and speaks about the one who is to come, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. At the same time, the central announcements of the two prophets are quite compatible: salvation and judgment are both part of the call of God. A positive response of active faith is required.
During the baptism of Jesus as He is baptized, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven declares, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.” This moment signifies the divine approval of Jesus’ mission and His identity as the Son of God. This passage highlights how John the Baptist’s ministry hails the ministry of Jesus. It underscores the importance of humility, as John acknowledges his role as a forerunner to the Messiah. The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry and is a powerful reminder of His divine nature and mission. The presence of the Holy Spirit and the voice from heaven affirm Jesus’ identity and mission, emphasizing the unity and presence of the Holy Trinity. We are encouraged as believers to reflect on our own baptism and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It calls for a response of faith, repentance, and a commitment to follow Jesus. It encourages us to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to live a life that is pleasing to God, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
Jesus continues to walk the earth today. He baptizes with the Spirit and He is at our side constantly. He walks with you and with me. Do we fully appreciate and understand the gift of baptism?
We must understand baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life. It is the gateway to life in the Spirit. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God. We become members of Christ’s Body, the Church. Thus, as members of Christ’s Body, we are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in Church’s mission. “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
As we stand at the beginning of a new year with new challenges and new goals, many will create a list of resolutions, goals which we would like to keep in the coming year. One more item to be added and it needs to be living into our baptism with a sense of our God-given mission. As we move into this new year, may we walk toward fulfilling our God given mission. May we do so knowing that the one who has called us, loves us, is pleased with us, and will help us on our way.
From the Baptismal Covenant BCP
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Let us Pray: O God, just as You declared Jesus as Your beloved Son, help us to remember our identity as Your children. Empower us to fulfill our mission on earth, spreading Your love and grace to everyone we encounter. Strengthen us to carry out Your work with faith and dedication. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 