Rev’d Caroline - [email protected], 01285 712467

Rev’d Vicky Falvey -  [email protected]

From Rev’d Caroline 

Readings for Sunday: Isaiah 42.1-9; Acts 10.34-43; Matthew 3.13-end

In this season of Epiphany we are guided to reflect on that central message of Christmas – that Jesus is ‘Emmanuel’, ‘God-With-Us’, and all the ways in which we can see that communicated and borne witness to in the life of our Lord.

Last week we looked at the Visitation of the Magi – the visitors from a far land who travelled vast distances to see and worship the new-born Saviour. This week our attention is drawn to the Baptism of Christ, which is the starting point of his ministry proper. From this point we meet Jesus himself, and are shown just who he is, in what he does, says, and embodies. In fact, in Mark’s Gospel we don’t spend any time on Jesus’ birth story at all, but instead begin right in this moment, where Jesus comes to the Jordon to be baptised by John.

In this wonderful event of Jesus’ baptism we see two absolutely crucial things about who he is showing himself to be. Firstly, he is showing himself to be humble, and obedient to where the Father is leading him. John doesn’t want to baptise Jesus, because he thinks he isn’t worthy of that honour, but Jesus reassures him – this moment is bigger than them both: “…it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.” In this moment Jesus is living out solidarity with all those he has come to save. He shares all our experiences, even this one, as he places himself into God’s hands.

Secondly, in this moment we see inarguable evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, right here as his story begins. Everyone gathered there, from John the Baptist, to the smallest member of the crowd, hears the voice of God: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Out loud, right there on the shore of the Jordan River, God’s own voice rings out and declares the truth of who Jesus is. The Holy Spirit, descending like a dove and alighting on Jesus, is anointing Jesus, blessing and preparing him for the long journey to come.

Here we realise that Jesus is being recognised, not by human beings this time, but by God, in the sight and hearing of everyone gathered there. It is a moment of revelation that will then mark the beginning of everything that lies ahead.

For us, this is a great moment to reflect on our baptisms – the moment when we were welcomed into the family of God, and heard God’s love for us and blessing upon us pronounced out loud. We too, just like Jesus, have been seen and loved; and in some small way, just like him, are then sent out to live as witnesses to that love. May that amazing revelation life in our hearts this week!

Rev’d Caroline

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