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January 13, 2008 - Baptism of our Lord Sunday
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 fulfill
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."
-- Matthew 3:13-17
We can imagine that John questioned Jesus' request for baptism as he felt unworthy
to be God's agent of blessing with God's own Son. After all, John had already made the
statement that he was unworthy to even untie Jesus' sandals, and now serve as the baptizer
of his Lord? But Jesus knew what had to be done to follow God's plan, and John consented.
How often do we hesitate to do God's will because we feel unworthy? How often do we
doubt God's plan for our lives and for the world, ultimately questioning God? We hear
again and again in scripture that it is God who makes us worthy and uses ordinary people
in ordinary ways to be God's loving presence.
What are you, worthy child of God, called to be about today?
We pray: O God, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son
and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to
their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit. Amen
Lessons for the Baptism of our Lord Sunday:
- Psalm 29
- Isaiah 42:1-9
- Acts 10:34-43
- Matthew 3:13-17
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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