Matthew 3:13-17 (baptism of the Lord) 13 At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptised by him. 14 But John tried to make him change his mind. “I ought to be baptised by you,” John said, “and yet you have come to me!” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.” So John agreed. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and alighting on him. 17 Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.”
Other readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38
LECTIO
Based on what we read in the Gospels, Jesus’s ministry begins with his baptism by John in the river Jordan. John had been baptising the crowds for some time as a sign of repentance for their sins and turning back to God.
From the preceding verses (Matthew 3:10-12, which we looked at on the Second Sunday in Advent), John clearly believed that the Messiah would bring in the Kingdom of Heaven, and judgment with it. So there was an urgent need for repentance. The Messiah would bring a different baptism, not with water but with the Holy Spirit and fire.
So when Jesus comes humbly for water baptism John initially protests. He recognises Jesus’s Messianic ministry. John is “not good enough even to carry his sandals” (Matthew 3:11). Yet Jesus, instead of acting in power and judgment, identifies himself with everyone else who is stepping forward in repentance.
Jesus acknowledges John’s objection but insists this fulfils “all that God requires”. Through this act of obedience, Jesus demonstrates his priorities for the rest of his ministry: doing things God’s way rather than his own.
After Jesus comes up out of the water he sees the Holy Spirit come down on him like a dove and stay with him. God the Father confirms that Jesus is his “own dear Son, with whom I am well pleased”. Here we see the Holy Trinity working together in unity.
It isn’t clear from Matthew’s account whether others saw the vision of the dove and heard God’s voice too. However, in John’s Gospel it is evident that John the Baptist also saw the Spirit come down on Jesus and that God told him this meant that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:29-34, which we will read next Sunday).
MEDITATIO
Jesus didn’t need to repent of any sins. So consider why God wanted Jesus to be baptised by John publicly along with everyone else.
Jesus and John show us clearly that we need to obey God even when others may misunderstand our actions. Are the opinions of others hindering you from obeying God in any way? Take a few moments to reflect on this.
Few people hear God speak to them with an audible voice or see a sign from heaven like a dove. How does God speak to you?
ORATIO
Think about how much God loves Jesus. Now think about how much God loves you –sending Jesus to die in your place so you could be adopted into his family. Take some time to give thanks to your heavenly Father.
Ask God if there is anything he wants you to do for him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
CONTEMPLATIO
Jesus was empowered for his ministry by the Holy Spirit. How significant is the Holy Spirit in your relationship with God? Among other things, the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us and equips us to serve God. Consider the work of the Holy Spirit and invite him to help and guide you.
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