The Baptizer of Jesus

Jesus and the Just Reign of God
God Sends Jesus
Zechariah Prophesies about His Son, John

Matthew 3:13-17

The Message

^13-14 Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!”

¹⁵ But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it.
^16-17 The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”

For Reflection

 It was, at the moment of baptism, that God proclaimed for all that Jesus was the son of God.  The baptism of Christ defines the baptism for us all. Baptism is a central part of smoothing the way for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.  We baptize publicly so that we can remember that we are becoming children of God.  We Baptize so that we remember that we are stewards of God's work. 

Pray

to remember the meaning of your baptism.  Pray that you will embrace the Holy Spirit, who resides in you, to carry out the miracles of God's work.