1-11-26 Matthew 3:13-17
13 Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Peace comes to you, for God is well pleased with His Son, and because of that Son, is well pleased with you.
Today we are presented with the adult Jesus. He has come to the Jordan River where John has been drawing together all sorts of people who are being redirected with a baptism of repentance. They have been gathering there by this River, the place where the people of Israel had crossed into the promised land, after their 40 years wandering in the wilderness. It had been their time in the wilds that had awakened them to the reality of their disconnect from God. Even as they had rejoiced in the saving act of God in freeing them from slavery in Egypt, they had quickly lost hope and worshipped an idol in a golden calf of their own making. To maintain a committed relationship with God proved difficult. So, to these waters of renewal, they have come. This is a place that had marked and established their identity as God’s people, as Israel. Returning here was an appropriate place where those misplaced loyalties could again be washed away and a new start begun. Jesus too has come to this place at the Jordan.
John is disconcerted by Jesus’ request to be baptized. It is clear to him that compared to Jesus, he is unworthy. But he is urged to proceed as Jesus insists it is to be done; in order that righteousness would be fulfilled. Righteousness was an Old Testament concept that involved more than one’s moral decency. It involved a right relationship with God, which means it was one based on Trust and dependence on God. Jesus came for baptism to demonstrate his solidarity with the sinners that God had sent him to save. He put himself alongside of his brothers and sisters making them see that all are dependent upon God’s mercy even as they are to follow God’s will. Jesus signifies with this action that he will be faithful to the God-given commission he has received.
Matthew’s brief account of the baptism moves directly to Jesus’ emerging from the water and the heaven’s opening as the Spirit descends like a dove. That Spirit is the empowering agent provided to equip Jesus for the ministry that is about to commence. Then a voice speaks, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
God makes Jesus’ identity known, as God’s own Son. The Father’s love and pleasure is expressed with the Son’s role being affirmed. It pleases God to send him out. Various Biblical leaders had likewise been equipped by the Spirit when directed into divine service. We have one account, for Isaiah, in today’s first reading
1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Also Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, had been commissioned: 34 the spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. (Judges 6)
The connection between commissioning and the gift of the Spirit was not restricted to ancient days. You too have been sent forth from your baptism with such aid, this is a blessing that is given:
Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in (this one) the gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm their faith, guide their life, empower them in serving, give them patience in suffering, and bring them to everlasting life.
Or with the laying on of hands this blessing may be given:
Stir up in (this one) the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever.
Most of you were baptized decades ago and even your confirmation, the rite of affirmation of Baptism, may bring only a vague recollection. Yet within the community of faith we can and do renew this affirmation within the worshipping assembly. It is on a day, such as this one when it is most appropriate. So turn in the front of your hymnal to page 234. As we pray, respond and give witness in this way, you are renewed in your spiritual gift, reminded that you are empowered again and again with faith. You make that trust in God known publicly as you profess it with one another now and strive together to serve all people.
(Stand as you are comfortable)
So today, I present this assembled body within Calvary Lutheran Church, who are making public affirmation of their baptisms.
Let us pray:
Merciful God, we thank you that you have made us your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called us to yourself, enlightened us with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished us in the community of faith. Uphold us and all your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.
Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
Response: I renounce them.
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
Response: I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
Response: I renounce them.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Turn to p. 237. For your AFFIRMATION
You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
to live among God’s faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Each person responds:
I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.
The minister addresses the assembly.
People of God, do you promise to support and pray for one another in your life in Christ?
We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
Pray for God’s blessing
Let us pray.
We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in this your people the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever.
AMEN
As you return to your homes and activities on this day remember that you are baptized, washed clean and prepared, and commissioned to serve as a child of God. Make Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, known in your words and actions. Rejoice together as you support each other in this life you have been given, by following the Savior.