Sunday 08 January 2023
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptised by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. (vs 13-15)
Background
It's not so unusual for families to get a bit tetchy with each other, especially those who have grown up together. John and Jesus, who were cousins, knew each other’s vulnerabilities as well as each other’s biases and behaviours. Matthew doesn’t give us much to go on – we know very little about their adolescent years. However, given that when she was pregnant with Jesus Mary found sanctuary and solace with Elizabeth, it could be inferred that the maternal bond would have continued to influence the lives of the boys.
Jesus has come deliberately from Galilee to the River Jordan – to meet John.
The geographic distance between the two men is mirrored in the philosophical space between them. John already has a ministry of baptism; encouraging people to confess their shame and guilt, and to be set free through the symbolic act of being washed in the River Jordan. People already travelled huge distances to receive this prophetic and liberating ministry from John. But John’s reputation also preceded him (as we learn in the earlier part of Matthew’s Gospel). He was a man of the wild; resorting to foraging for food, and looking rather a ragamuffin in his camel-clothing. He was also indifferent to social etiquette. He was brusque, direct and apocalyptic towards those who were insincere.
When Jesus arrives, he is no less candid – at first refusing to baptise Jesus at all. He eventually consented, but not before debating the issue with Jesus. John is not feigning humility. He has spent a lifetime pointing towards the coming Messiah, Jesus. Now, face to face with the object of his ministry, John wants to continue to be served by Jesus rather than to lead him.
John consents to baptising Jesus. Consent is a loaded word, especially in our 21st century context. Jesus is baptised by the prophet John, and both men discover even more depth and truth to their identity and calling.
To Ponder:
- John seems to be getting in the way of Jesus’ blessing here – I wonder if you have got in the way of someone’s blessing? What happened?
- Why is consent important?
- What does ‘beloved’ mean to you? Why is it important here?
- How might Jesus have felt before and after his baptism?
Prayer
God of blessing, liberation and loving, help us to journey into your presence today. May we hear you speak to us afresh, resourcing us for the days to come. Help us to lean on the people who can guide us and forgive us when we get in the way of each other. May we today be willing, able and enthusiastic about saying 'yes' to something positive and unexpected for the benefit of your 'kin-dom'. Amen.