THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
EPIPHANY II
January 12, 2025
“The Water of Life”
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:3-5)
As we have read the Gospel accounts of the birth of Christ, this Sunday we have the opportunity to notice the varying ways in which the Gospel writers tell us of Jesus’ baptism. Reading the short accounts in the first chapter of Mark and the third chapters of Matthew and Luke, we find that the message and testimony of John the Baptist is included in all of them. The Gospel of John doesn’t describe the actual baptism of Christ in the River Jordan, but of how he was identified as the Lamb of God, and upon whom the Holy Spirit descended, as John the Baptist saw and testified that “this is the Son of God.”
Matthew tells us of John the Baptist’s dynamic preaching, and his fearless confrontations with temple authorities, where he warned them that he baptized with water for repentance, but the one who was coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. These verses also include John’s reluctance to baptize Jesus, feeling unworthy, but Jesus convincing him to do it. Here we learn of the moment when Jesus rose up from the water, the heavens opened, a dove descended, and a voice from heaven spoke, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” I have loved the imagery of this story ever since I was a Sunday School child, and remember thinking I hoped there were a lot of people around the riverbank, seeing and hearing this miraculous happening!
We Lutherans have two Sacraments — Baptism and Holy Communion. Each was instituted by Christ himself, as he commanded his followers to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; and to share the bread and wine as his body and blood, in remembrance of him. We are baptized only once, at which time God claims and accepts each of us as his saved and redeemed child. We are welcomed to Holy Communion often, as our heavenly Father provides us with nourishment at his table, strengthening and inspiring us as we follow the paths to which we are called.
These verses from Romans can sound a little scary (baptized into death?!) but these strong words speak a strong promise — that of being united in Christ in a resurrection like his. That’s as sure and solid as anything we will ever hear. So whenever you walk past the baptismal font at the entrance to our sanctuary, take a moment and remember all those promises — those made on your behalf, those you’ve made on someone’s behalf, and the amazing promise of God’s love, forgiveness, and eternal life in him.
Grateful for promises made and kept,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers