Rev. Monica Mowdy
January 5th
Scripture Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 3:13-17
The gospel of Matthew doesn’t have the actual story of Jesus‘s baptism. It kind of jumps to after the baptism was over. But we still get that beautiful line at the end. This is my beloved son who brings me joy or with whom I’m well pleased.
But if we look at the Gospel of John for just a moment, we see a little bit more complete picture of the story. John the Baptist is traveling around telling everyone that the Lamb of God is coming and he is ready to come for his people of Israel to build a new kingdom and that they need to be baptized to be ready.
Entering the scene. Jesus! Jesus comes along and he asked John to baptize him and we see this moment where John doesn’t feel worthy of baptizing Jesus, but Jesus insists. He said it must happen so that I can begin my ministry and be revealed to the people of Israel. So we see Jesus step into the water and John describes it like this, “He said the heavens open up and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove. Then you hear this voice from the heavens it say this is my beloved Son with whom I’m well pleased, and then we see Jesus immediately begin his ministry.
What does this story mean for us?
We are taught that God made human beings in the image of God, and all of creation to be good but we are also taught that Sin caused a "distortion of the image of God” in us and the degrading of the whole of creation.
It is in baptism we reject the power sin has over us and truly take the first step in living our lives in Christ.
~ The Gift of Baptism: A Shared Grace"
As we pause today to reflect on the grace of Jesus Christ through our baptism, we are invited to participate in something profound—something that transcends time and individual experience. In Isaiah, we are introduced to the Servant who will bring justice to the nations. Jesus, in his baptism, identifies with humanity, entering the waters not because of sin, but because of grace. This is the ultimate act of solidarity.
In his baptism, Jesus reveals something essential about out own baptism. Baptism is not merely a ritual; it is a grace-filled moment where we are invited to be part of something bigger than ourselves. When Jesus steps into the Jordan River, he aligns himself with us—the broken, the sinful, and the needy. His baptism is an announcement of God’s grace extended to all.
~ Jesus in the Water: God’s Solidarity with Us
The baptism of Jesus is a powerful reminder that Jesus did not come into the world to stand apart from us, but to be with us in our humanity. In Matthew's account, Jesus chooses to be baptized by John, despite having no sin of his own. His decision is one of pure solidarity—he enters the waters to stand with us, in our need, in our brokenness.
Isaiah speaks of the Servant who will bring justice without breaking the bruised reed or quenching the dimly burning wick. In baptism, we encounter this Servant. We find that Jesus enters into our fragility, offering grace where there is need, hope where there is despair, and righteousness where there is sin.
Jesus' baptism was not about him; it was about fulfilling God's plan for salvation and identifying with sinful humanity. In this act, he begins his mission of justice, healing, and reconciliation. As we celebrate baptism, we are reminded that our baptism is also about participation in Christ’s mission.
Just as Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry, our baptism marks the beginning of our participation in God’s kingdom work. We are not baptized to remain passive, but to engage in the mission of God, bringing justice, mercy, and peace to the world. Through baptism, we are empowered to live as agents of change in a broken world.
~ The Waters of Grace"
In the waters of baptism, there is grace. Isaiah tells us that the Servant of God will bring justice to the nations, but he will do so with gentleness and compassion, not with force or violence. This is the way of Jesus—the way of humility, of service, of identifying with humanity.
In his baptism, Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, enters into the waters of repentance, not for his own sins, but to fulfill all righteousness —a life marked by grace, not because we are deserving, but because Christ, in his mercy, has made a way for us.
Jesus’ baptism is more than just a symbolic act. It is the fulfillment of righteousness, as Jesus steps into the waters not to cleanse himself, but to fulfill God's plan for salvation. In baptism, we too are called to live out this righteousness. We are called to walk in the ways of justice, mercy, and humility—just as Jesus did.
~ Baptism: A New Identity
When Jesus enters the waters of baptism, he begins a new chapter in his public ministry. The voice from heaven declares his identity as the Beloved Son of God. Through baptism, we too are given a new identity. We are not defined by our past mistakes, our failures, or our sin. We are defined by the grace of God, who claims us as his beloved children.
The moment of Jesus' baptism is not just a moment of personal revelation; it is a declaration for all of humanity. When the voice from heaven says, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased," it is not just a statement about Jesus, but about all who are baptized into him.
As we celebrate baptism today, let us remember that this is not just an individual act—it is a declaration of God’s love for all of us, whether you are seeking to be being baptized or you are reaffirming your baptismal vows. Recommitting to a life in Christ.
Let us pray the pray John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement used to affirm a commitment to this life born in baptism.
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
exalted for you, or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
LITURGY
New Service of Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
Introduction
Sisters and brothers in Christ:through the sacrament of baptismGod's Spirit has been poured out upon water,water poured over and immersing us,water that flows freely for all who will receive it,water from the streams of God's saving power and justice,water that brings hope to all who thirst for righteousness,water that refreshes life, nurtures growth, and offers new birth.
Today we come to the waters,to renew our commitmentsin each other's presenceto Christ who has raised us,the Spirit who has birthed us,and the Creator who is making all things new.
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
And so I ask you, will you turn away from the powers of sin and death?
We renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,Reject the evil powers of this world,And repent of our sin!
Will you let the Spirit use you as prophets to the powers that be?
We accept the freedom and power God gives usTo resist evil, injustice, and oppressionIn whatever forms they present themselves!
Will you proclaim the good news and live as disciples of Jesus Christ, his body on earth?
We confess Jesus Christ as our Savior,put our whole trust in his grace,and promise to serve him as our Lord,in union with the church which Christ has openedto people of all ages, nations, and races!
Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together, wherever you are, and in all that you do?
We will remain faithful members of Christ's holy churchAnd serve as Christ's representatives in the world.
Will you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
We affirm and teach the faith of the whole churchas we put our trustin God, the Father Almighty.in Jesus Christ, his only Son.and in the Holy Spirit,one God now and forever.
Thanksgiving Over the WaterThe Spirit of the Lord is with us.Even so, come Lord Jesus!Let us pray.
Almighty God, the life you birthed in usby baptism into Jesus Christwill never die.Your justice never fails.Your mercy is everlasting.
Your healing river flows.Your Spirit blows where you will.We cannot stop you, God!
But sometimes we try.We try to block the flow,we redirect the winds of the Spirit,or we walk so far away from the life-giving Streamthat we do not hear its sound,and we forget its power.We parch ourselves.
We are dry and thirsty, O God.Come, refresh us!
Come upon us, Holy Spirit!Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon these waters.Come upon these waters.
Let these waters be to us drops of your mercy.Let these waters remind us of your righteousness and justice.
Let these waters renew in us the resurrection power of Jesus.Let these waters make us long for your coming reign.
Most Holy God, Abba, Father!Glory to you!
Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord!Glory to you!
Spirit of fire, Spirit over the waters, Spirit of holiness!Glory to you!
Eternal God, One in Three and Three in One!All glory is yours, now and forever. Amen!
Remember that you are baptized, and rejoice!