Matthew 3:13-17
The humility of John is seen again in this passage - recognizing that he is here to serve Jesus and not vice versa. I think sometimes we get so caught up in hierarchy and protocol that we feel awkward when things get turned upside down, as they do in this passage (and certainly in John's gospel where Jesus washes the disciples' feet). The pastor (teacher) is supposed to baptize the student, not the other way around.
Implied in John's statement is a question. At least I read a question into his statement: why is Jesus being baptized? John's baptism was for repentance and Jesus certainly had nothing to repent of. Jesus says that he must be baptized to fulfill all righteousness but that doesn't really help answer the question. I think that the reason for Jesus' baptism is seen in the response from the Father: "this is my son." I think that Jesus was baptized so that the Father could publicly identify Jesus as his Son. This, really, is the same reason that we are baptized - to publicly declare that we are God's children. I know that baptism is a sign and I know that it does not achieve salvation for me but I think we in conservative evangelicalism are down playing the significant spiritual role it plays. I don't think that it is just us making a declaration that we are followers of Christ, as I've been taught (and have taught). I think that two voices are speaking in baptism: ours, declaring that we have made a choice to follow Christ and to identify ourselves with him and God's, declaring that he has chosen us and idetifies himself with us.
I love the words that the Father speaks over his Son: "this is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." A very significant moment in my spiritual journey took place at SABC when Tim S came to the staff and talked about this verse. He pointed out that this was at the very beginning of Christ's ministry - he hadn't really done anything (in human terms) for God to be pleased about but God was pleased, not so much because of what he had done but more because of who he was - his Son. Tim reminded us that even at the beginning of our ministry that summer, before we had led a cabin or taught a skill or shared our testimony that I was God's son, that he loved me and that he was already well pleased.
This is the blessing that I want to pass on to my students: In Christ, you are God's son or daughter whom he loves. He is more pleased with who you are in Christ than what you might be able to do for him. I think if we could believe and live that, our whole perspective on God, faith, people and our world would change.
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I have never thought of things this way, it does bring a whole new perspective to baptism and I like it. It is true and I aslo agree that we are to conservative with our baptism practices. I think we have also made it what it is not with all our classes and protocals. The believe was all about believe, repent and be baptized, and that it is what it should still be about today. Thanks for your insights Jer, I really enjoyed them.
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