Pastor John Wright

The Sunday after Epiphany is always readings on the baptism of Jesus. The revelation of God to the Gentiles now proceeds in the "public" ministry of Jesus, beginning with his baptism. It is also a time of evangelism: a proclamation of the gospel as a call to repentance and faith to be sealed in baptism.

The season of Epiphany will end on Ash Wednesday. We are reminded in the readings of God's call to faith in Jesus Christ, a faith to be sealed in baptism as the continuation of the ministry of Jesus. The OT and the Epistle readings both provide commentary on the event of the baptism of Jesus. Let's start with the Gospel and move to its commentaries in the other readings.

Matthew 3:13-17

Verse 13 tells of the situation of Jesus' baptism; Verses 14-15 tell us why Jesus has to be baptized; and vv. 16-17 give God the last word in the baptism!

Why would the Jordan River be important? Can you think of anytime of "passing through" the Jordan? Why would John not want to baptize Jesus? What is right and what is wrong about John's response (or, ask Eric if it is a contradiction, ironic, or a paradox!).

How are we to interpret 'to fulfill all righteousness'? (if you figure it out, let me know because the commentators all disagree!!)

What is the effect of Jesus' baptism? For whom?

Isaiah 42:1-9

Discuss how the Isaian passage helps understand the passage from Matthew? What does it reinforce that is there? What does it add?

Acts 10:34-38

How does Acts interpret the significance of Jesus' baptism -- mentioned in the middle of the passage? What is the baptism of Jesus seen as here? How does it differ from the Isaiah passage in its emphasis? What does it have in common with the Matthew passage? What does it add to it?

Baptism has been called "the gateway to the life of the Spirit" and its taking place in the Jordan has been seen as a sign of eternal life -- an entering into the promised land. Why do you think that the church has insisted upon baptism through the years as a continuation of this practice that Jesus himself experienced -- that baptism is necessary to "fulfill all righteousness"? How is baptism a "sacrament of faith" in a special and unique manner?

Have a wonderful evening!