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Sermon: Baptism of Our Lord (C) - 10th January 2010
St Aidan's Anglican Church West Epping
Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-22
“JESUS’ BAPTISM AND OURS”
There are two places along the Jordan River where people go to link up with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. The popular site is up to the north, not far from the Sea of Galilee. It is at a picturesque part of the Jordan, complete with eucalyptus trees which reminded Sarah and myself of home, when we visited it last year as part of our visit to Israel. The site is featured from time to time on TV presentations. It is effectively set up so that people can easily step into the water which is either ankle deep, or deep enough to be baptized in by immersion. The passage from Mark’s Gospel describing Jesus’ baptism is beautifully displayed in dozens of languages, and there are of course shops selling refreshments and souvenirs.
But there is no evidence in the Gospels that John the Baptist worked in this area. The location, however, does have the advantage of being in Israel, and of being well set up for visitors.
The site which is much more likely to be authentic is further south, down towards the Dead Sea. Here there are remains of churches with prominent baptistries, going back to the early centuries of Christianity, and there are strong traditions about John’s ministry. It is in fact in the area described in the Gospels as where he did his preaching and baptizing. However the site is much less beautifully located, and it is actually in the country of Jordan, on the eastern side of the river. The river itself is narrow, muddy and unimpressive at this point, a result of the massive population growth in the region, and particularly the demands of Israel for irrigation water. For many years this area was effectively closed to visitors because of hostilities in the Arab/Israel war. Sarah and I noticed that there is now also activity on the Israel side of the Jordan, and I wondered whether before too long there will be a setup for pilgrims and tourists on the Israel side. Churches are now being built by both Catholic and Orthodox communities near the Jordan site, and in a few years the arrangements will be more sophisticated, if not more authentic.
It was very special to visit these sites associated with John during our recent visit to Israel and Jordan, to see the famous river Jordan, and see where Jesus himself might have been baptized. I have preached many times on the story, and to see the possible location was a very special experience. Jesus’ baptism is recounted in Matthew, Mark and Luke, and it is implied in John’s Gospel as well.
Today’s Gospel gives us the climax of Luke’s account of John’s ministry. In the verses leading up to our reading, Luke tells of John’s call for a changed life and genuine obedience to God’s commandments. But in today’s reading we heard what John said about one who was coming,
one who was so great that John was not worthy even to untie the thongs of his sandals. This man would baptize people not just with water, but with the Holy Spirit, and with fire, probably the fire that purifies. Of course, this great one was Jesus. But John also described Jesus as a great judge, like a farmer who separates the good grain from the chaff which must be tossed out and burned. Luke says that “with many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people”. It was good news for those who responded, but there was a sting in the tail for those who ignored or rejected his gospel.
What is particularly interesting about Luke’s account here is his comparative lack of interest in the baptism of Jesus. Did you notice what he says? “When all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying….” It’s as if he is saying, “Yes of course Jesus was baptized, but that’s not the most important thing!” Matthew in particular gives attention to John’s surprise that Jesus would be willing to be baptized by him. But Luke just mentions it in passing.
Luke wants us to notice what happens then . The heavens open and the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove, and there is the voice from heaven: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Of course Jesus’ baptism matters. It is in his baptism that Jesus not only identifies himself with the mission of John. Jesus identifies with those who need to be baptized: he purposefully identifies himself with sinners who need forgiveness. And Jesus commits himself to God’s purposes for him: his baptism is the launching pad for his ministry.
The next thing which will happen to him is Satan’s temptations as he determines his priorities and his approach to ministry. Once he has confirmed his commitment to God’s purposes and God’s priorities, he will commence his work of teaching and healing, leading up to his suffering, death and resurrection.
But right now, what Luke wants us to see is just who Jesus is. These divine words come from two parts of the Old Testament. “You are my Son” says God, echoing words from Psalm 2, a Psalm pointing to the Messiah, the King God had chosen to lead and rule his people. And then words from the Book of Isaiah, words referring to the Suffering Servant, who was faithful to God and pleased him; through his suffering and triumph, this servant would bring forgiveness and salvation to God’s people.
Jesus was the Son of God, beloved by God, who pleased God: any reader could see this. But to those who recognized the background to these words, Luke was setting forth the deeper significance of who Jesus is. He is the Messiah, the chosen ruler and Saviour of God’s people. He is the Suffering Servant who will sacrifice himself for sinners, to bring them forgiveness and hope, to restore those who have gone astray.
As Jesus by his baptism takes up the path set for him, so God responds by acknowledging him and confirming his relationship and his authority. Jesus’ baptism expresses who he is : he is the beloved Son of God, the Servant of God. And it expresses who he belongs to : he is God’s Son, God’s servant, but he is also identified with sinners who need God’s forgiveness. And it expresses his purpose in life : he will serve God and sacrificially serve the needs of others.
But what about all the others baptized by John? And what about those who have been baptized in the name of Jesus over the past 2000 years?
In many ways, our baptism contains echoes of Jesus’ baptism. For our baptism also expresses who we are: that by adoption and grace we are God’s children, forgiven and welcomed into his kingdom. And our baptism also expresses who we belong to : not only are we children of God, but we are members of God’s family, members of his church, with responsibilities not only to the Lord, but loving responsibilities towards one another as well.
And our baptism also expresses our direction in life : we commit ourselves to following Christ day by day, serving him and serving others, and playing our part within the life of his family.
We give eternal thanks that Jesus fulfilled his commitment and indeed served and suffered for us, bringing us forgiveness and life. But the challenge remains for us to remember the significance of our own baptism. We need to remember who we are: forgiven children of God. We remember who we belong to: we are Christ’s people and members of his family. And we remember our purpose in life: in this new year, let us commit ourselves anew to following Christ, serving his people and loving our neighbour as ourselves.
With other members of our group from St.George’s College Jerusalem, Sarah and I shared in a renewal of our baptismal promises at the popular baptism site. We stood in a few inches of water, echoed those baptismal promises and water was sprinkled over us. It was celebratory and happy rather than sombre, particularly when we realized that we could feel tiny fish nibbling away at our feet as we shared together in the liturgy, which was very similar to our annual renewal of vows on Easter Day. But we also realized that it was very important. Of course that is the nature of baptism and the nature of faith. It is something to rejoice about, but it is also serious and significant.
Most of us do not remember our baptism: but we know that it took place and we perhaps know some of the details. And we know what it is all about. As followers of Jesus, may we take seriously those great baptismal promises as we follow Jesus along the path of life, and indeed the path of eternal life. Amen.
Paul Weaver