Epiphany season takes us through the ways Jesus became known – known as much more than another religious personality. Last week we remembered the visit of the Wise Men (did you miss it?), and now we come to Jesus’ Baptism.
Recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it is clearly the start of his public ministry. (There is a big gap, we could speculate – but the gospel writers think we do not need to know). At the Baptism Mt makes clear the hesitation of John the Baptist. Why would Jesus, the sinless Son of God, want to come to the prophet calling Jews to escape the coming judgement by admitting their sins and being washed clean? In one sense he is right – put like that it doesn’t make sense. But Jesus is endorsing and joining the movement John has started. By submitting, he recognises God in what John has said and done – recognising what God is doing around us is always important. Belonging – even when the church is far from perfect – is part of the deal, making it difficult to know how far to cope with Church mistakes and mistaken teachings.
There is more. All 3 gospel writers record Jesus experience of the Holy Spirit coming on him, and a voice saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” It’s a great affirmation. Not just a heavenly “That’s my boy!”, but for those who pick it up a double reference. The same words will come in the Transfiguration story (Mt 17) we read just before Lent The quotations are Psalm 2:7, a reference to the Anointed King, and thus Jesus as the promised Messiah, and Isaiah 42:1 the Servant given the Holy Spirit. That (Is 42) will be formally quoted in Mt 12:18.
So what impact does this have? Jesus is Commissioned. He is the one – the Davidic King/Messiah, the one promised by scripture, but he is also the Servant, empowered by God’s Spirit and now Commissioned for this unique work.
Not only do we have his example in joining himself to a mixed bunch of sinners to consider; we also need to think about those words from heaven. How far will I allow him to be a King, ruling over me. How far will I allow him to be a Servant, doing for me what needs doing, but things perhaps I hesitate to ask for, or even allow?
Yes, we live at a time when fewer people identify as Christian, and Christians are not seen as useful or resourceful members of society. Perhaps it will help if we make sure that the Son of God is allowed to rule and serve in us, each of us, as well as spreading awareness of his authority to other people.