BAPTISM

The baptism of Jesus is another epiphany that reveals His true identity and mission. He is the beloved Son of God, the Suffering Servant and the Savior of all nations. His baptism gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to believe in and follow Him. The feast of His baptism is a celebration of relationship, mutuality and communion with all God’s people. But why baptize Jesus? The baptism of John is a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. It is a ritual cleansing for the repentant sinner. Does it mean that Jesus is baptized because He is a sinner? The answer is No. Jesus is without sin. He is like us in all things except sin. His baptism reveals that He is in total solidarity with us. He identifies with us and in our weak humanness. He stands for us sinners and is one of us even in our sin and for our salvation. He spent time eating and drinking with tax collectors, prostitutes, outcast and sinners not condoning their sins but to offer healing and new life. His open table fellowship reveals His compassion and brings friendship, intimacy and acceptance. His baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry of teaching, healing and liberating. He is commissioned by the Father. God is present in Jesus working in and through Him. During His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him because His ministry is Spirit empowered ministry. He is the Anointed One and His kingship is not about power, domination and control. His kingship is His humble self sacrifice. Heaven was opened because in Jesus we have full access to God. He brings new life creating new heavens and new earth. The baptism of Jesus points to our baptism because in our baptism we are incorporated into the life of the Holy Trinity. We participate in the life of God. We become the beloved children of the Father. Our baptism is rebirth, regeneration and new life. It is initiation for a mission because we are called to continue the work of Jesus today. In fact, in our baptism, we become prophets, kings and priests. We participate in the kingship of Jesus as servant leaders. We participate in His priesthood as mediators between God and  man. We are prophets because we speak the Word of God. Our baptism is such an enormous and huge gift and privilege but with great responsibility. We need the Holy Spirit so that we become truly sons and daughters of the Father.