Sermon - 1/8/23

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Religion

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I have a friend who, when discussing people or individuals, will often say, “That person has a unique story, and his/her story should be honored.” I share this statement because on this day, it is important to remember that each one of us has an important story to share about our identity, about who we are as a person. You see, every single one of us has a valuable story to tell about the priceless identity each one of us has been given in baptism. Today, as we remember and give thanks for our baptisms, we remember these words that were spoken over us, “Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ in your life – forever.” Think about that! Wow! What a story that is to tell! Today’s gospel reading gives us the story of Jesus’ baptism. Now, quite honestly, John did not know what to do with the fact that Jesus came to him to be baptized. And, from the time Jesus first presented himself for baptism by John until today, Christians have puzzled over why Jesus had to be baptized. At that time, the act of baptism was understood to be an act of repentance and the cleansing of one’s sins. So, John does not understand why Jesus, whose sandals John is “not worthy to carry” should seek to be baptized. Instead, John declares to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you.” Why should the Son of God need to be baptized? Theologian, Frederick Dale Bruner, says that he considers Jesus’ first miracle to have occurred at his baptism. The miracle is that Jesus was humble. The divine Son of God humbles himself by allowing John to baptize him. This act of humility is an act of obedience to God and an act of pure love as Jesus begins his ministry. This first action Jesus takes as he begins his ministry is to deeply enter into solidarity with all of humankind and all of creation. Jesus did not need to be forgiven. However, for us,

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