Jesus' Baptism


"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit of God descending like a dove on him.  And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son; the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."  --Mark 1:9-11

 When he was somewhere around thirty years old, Jesus moved from his established life in little Nazareth of Galilee-- where he apparently worked as a carpenter (Mark 6:3), living among his family and belonging to the local synagogue-- and journeyed to the Jordan River in Judea where John the Baptist was immersing people in a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  John was imploring people to get themselves ready for the coming of the Messiah.  But when Jesus arrived, without fanfare, he entered the Jordan waters with everyone else and was thrust under the waters by the Baptist, who initially objected.  Indeed, Jesus would always do his ministry and live his life fully among the people.   The gospels tell us that when he came up out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens opened (or in Mark, "torn apart") and the Spirit of God descending on him like a dove.  There would be no barriers between heaven and earth, between God and God's people.  And Jesus heard God's voice giving him three new names:  Son: Beloved: God's Pleasure.
 For us as well, being Child of God, Beloved of God, and those who live to God's pleasure will bestow identity deeper than any name our parents can give us!  Even of were are only sprinkled at baptism, we are immersed in God's steadfast and eternal love.


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