Thoughts for the Day

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We were living in Germany when I was seven years old and came back to England on holiday. While there I was baptised in the ancient parish church at Pevensey. I remember I wore a lovely dress, white socks, and white crochet gloves. I had four godparents, but in retrospect the meaning of the whole event was lost on me, though I did know it gave me a special relationship to God and to my godparents. Any real understanding of God was slowly drip-fed through my mother and one godparent's strong faith!

If we look at the baptism of Jesus we see John has been calling the people to repent of their sins, and as to be baptised in water - a most unusual thing for Jewish people. Jesus has committed no sin, but he has come to identify with sinful 'man' and to take our sin upon himself at his death, so he agrees to the baptism. The voice of God the Father acknowledges His Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends on him. The three aspects of the Trinity are present and after 30 years on this earth Jesus is now ready to start his ministry.

At my baptism God called my parents and godparents and they made promises for me. Over the years I responded to God, but initially the love and commitment was all on God's side, my response was at best absolutely minimal. Like many others I probably thought I was doing God a favour, instead of the complete opposite!

Heavenly Father,
giver of all good things,
who out of pure love
sent Your Son to save us
from sin and death,
may we through the power
of the Holy Spirit
given to us at our baptism,
continue to grow in faith
drawing closer to You
and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.