Pre-Lent 2024

I am posting this on the wrong liturgical day, rather than feast of the baptism of Jesus on January 8th.

I decided to wait. Mainly because it would be further from the Epiphany, the second part of my look at the Godhead and humanity being entwined in Jesus, and also because Jesus’ baptism comes immediately before he left for the desert, which is celebrated in Lent.

3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ² “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ³ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make his paths straight.’”

Matthew 3:1-3 ESVUK

Jesus is our teacher…

There were heartwarming baptisms in our church, Holy Trinity Church Huddersfield, this past week. Our Curate, Simon, delivered a touching message elucidating the profound significance of baptism. The entire event was livestreamed and is still accessible here. Simon artfully employed the classic technique of structuring his message around three poignant words, all starting with the same letter. These words…

Beginning

Baptism is akin to a spiritual cleansing, much like starting the day with a refreshing shower. Whether it took place in adulthood or infancy, the essence lies in commencing our faith journey and being purified through the grace of Jesus. It’s all about entrusting ourselves to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Belonging

Baptism is a special bond that unites us as a single family. Through baptism, we become part of a larger family—the Church.

Becoming

We begin becoming more like Jesus.

Jesus is our example…

Beginning

The baptism of Jesus is one of the fixed points in Jesus’ ministry, the other is the crucifixion. They mark the beginning and ending of his ministry on earth. It happened at the time he was beginning to call his disciples. The mission of Christ, spoken about years before by poets and prophets, started an important phase with the baptism of Jesus.

Belonging

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: Jesus’ ministry was not just to die for the sins of the world—this is mentioned in the account of the relationship between John and Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John—and not just about Jesus relating to humans. Jesus’ ministry is all about the kingdom of God.

Baptism is a deeply meaningful ritual that reflects our connection to the kingdom of God, which will be ushered in by Jesus as judge. This profound connection helps to illuminate John’s words to those who sought baptism without genuine repentance:

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’, for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Matthew 3:7-10

The Godhead and humanity intertwined

Why was Jesus baptized? Despite already belonging to the family of God and not needing forgiveness for his sins or the need to become anything, his baptism was a symbol of our shared experience. Through his baptism, we are able to share the same connection as him, and he, in turn, shares in our humanity.

There is more than empathy at work here. From his incarnation Jesus was fully God and fully human, not two natures but his divinity and humanuty were so intertwined. so mixed together that no one cam tell where the one ends and the other starts. This is the nature which ascended into heaven, God and man fully blended together.

And Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on the Church.

The significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as a baptism, holds profound spiritual meaning for believers. This divine occurrence marks the initiation of a new chapter in the life of a believer, signifying the entrance into the kingdom of God. It symbolizes a transformational experience, representing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the empowerment to lead a life in alignment with the teachings and principles of God. This baptism not only brings about a deep sense of spiritual connection but also serves as a beacon of guidance and strength, equipping believers to navigate the challenges and joys of living in accordance with the divine will. As such, the baptism of the Holy Spirit resonates as a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey, igniting a transformative relationship with God and His kingdom: We become one with each other and with God.

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Incarnation – Epiphany – The baptism of Jesus – Temptation – Good Friday – Easter – Ascension – Pentecost – Trinity – The Return (advent 2024)