Weekly Reflection
January 11th to 17th
The Baptism of Jesus
Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
The Baptism of Jesus is a highly significant event in the public ministry of Jesus; He gives us the model of Christian Baptism for His flock to follow.
This Sunday is a time for reflection on the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the significance of Christian baptism. After His Baptism in the river Jordan, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit as God's beloved Son, so was empowered to carry out the preaching, the healing and other miracles, all of which were the hallmarks of His ministry.
As God’s adopted children, baptised and confirmed (or whatever is the regular practice in your own individual church), we too are anointed and empowered to carry out the works which we see Jesus doing (see John 14:12). As God’s Church we tend to celebrate this power and enabling at Pentecost – I look forward to writing about that next May!
Jesus’ Baptism also invites us as His faithful brothers and sisters, to renew our own commitment to our calling and to live as God's adopted children in the world; this is an excellent practice at the start of a New Year. In 2025, as a church we saw some events which truly tested our faith, but we also saw much which built up and encouraged it; we saw the Holy Spirit moving in great power among us in answer to our prayers. Small groups and individuals often saw God work powerfully among us and among those whom we love and pray for.
I believe God will bring us an Epiphany during 2026, showing us even more of His power; I also believe that this is dependent on our commitment to Him; can I encourage us all (me included) to keep praying and be ready to welcome Him.
Lotd God, most of us are baptised and confirmed once in our lives, but we know that the filling from your Holy Spirit is like the manna in the desert, we should expect a fresh filling every day. Keep us awake and aware, Lord, and remind us to ask you each morning to fill us again with your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peter Sebborn
Christian.Footsoldier@gmail.com