Baptism of the Lord Sunday - Matthew 3:13-17

The Jordan River scene is one of the most quietly astonishing moments in all of Scripture. Jesus—sinless, radiant with divine purpose—steps into the muddy water and asks John to baptize Him. John is bewildered. We would be too. Everything in us wants to say, “Lord, this is backwards.”

But Jesus answers with a phrase that still reshapes discipleship today:

“Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”

A Savior Who Stands With Us

Jesus doesn’t need baptism for repentance. He steps into the water to stand with humanity—fully, humbly, without distance or hesitation. Before He preaches a sermon, heals a wound, or calls a disciple, He chooses solidarity.

This is the heart of the incarnation:

God does not save from a distance.

God steps into the water with us.

A Moment of Revelation

As Jesus rises from the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice speaks words every human heart longs to hear:

“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Before Jesus performs a single miracle, before He teaches the crowds, before He goes to the cross—He is named Beloved.

Identity comes before activity.

Grace comes before mission.

Belovedness comes before obedience.

A Word for Us Today

In our own baptisms—whether we remember them or not—we are swept into this same truth. God’s first word over us is not “Do better,” “Try harder,” or “Earn this.”

God’s first word is:

You are mine. You are beloved. I delight in you.

And that identity becomes the foundation for everything else:

• When ministry feels heavy, we return to belovedness.

• When we feel unqualified, we remember John’s surprise—and Jesus’ reassurance.

• When we walk with those who suffer, we remember the God who steps into the water with us.

• When we face uncertainty, we remember the Spirit who descends gently, faithfully, without fail.

A Closing Prayer

Holy God,

As Jesus stepped into the Jordan, step into our lives again today.

Remind us that we are your beloved children, not because of what we have done,

but because of who You are.

Let Your Spirit rest upon us,

renewing our courage, deepening our compassion,

and sending us into the world with the quiet confidence

that we do not walk alone.

Amen.