Epiphany

January 12, 2020

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

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 fulfil 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.’

Jesus’ baptism is reported in all four gospels. The description in Mark (Mark 1:9-11) and Luke (Luke 3:21-23) are similar, the voice speaks to Jesus. In Matthew (quoted above) the voice addresses all present. John (John 1:29–33) shares what John the Baptist reported particularly indicating seeing the dove.

Having worked in child welfare services and been involved in several court hearings, I learned early, primarily from the police involved, that it is rare for witnesses to see exactly the same thing so the differences should not be too concerning. Actually, the police get more suspicious when all present report exactly the same story. We also know that each gospel was written for differing audiences and the authors were trying to get the gist of the event as correct as the facts. Matthew and John both felt the need to share that there were witnesses present. Mark and Luke may have wanted to share that Jesus received and accepted his calling at this point.

As I order the coffee for our church fellowship time, the man that makes the coffee at my church on Sunday morning told me that we were almost out of coffee. I also forget things I am told in passing and I assured him that I would order the coffee as soon as I got home but would he please ask me on Sunday if I ordered the coffee. He laughingly said he would, if he remembered. Someone who overheard the conversation asked me why I had made the request and I told them that I have discovered I remember to do what I am asked to do if I know someone else is expecting me to complete the task. I have added the incentive of not letting the other down to fulfilling the responsibility I have accepted.

Baptism is just such an outward sign of a person’s commitment to follow Christ by making it a public experience even if the only witness is God and the Pastor.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing us with a community of faith before whom we can hold ourselves accountable as we work to answer your call. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.