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Affiliation, Allegiance, Authority | Matthew 3:13-17
a sermon from Fr. Nathan
When we come to Matthew 3 and the baptism of Jesus, we are entering a moment shaped by deep religious corruption, imperial domination, and a people longing not only for forgiveness but for deliverance.
John the Baptist calls Israel to repentance in this context, and Jesus—though he has no sin to repent of—chooses to descend into the Jordan to stand with the repentant and the oppressed.
In doing so, he sanctifies the waters, turning baptism from a mere sign into an effective means of God’s saving work, and reveals himself as the one who brings new creation where sin has disfigured the world.
At his baptism, God reveals Jesus’ affiliation with sinners, his allegiance to the Father rather than empire or institution, and his authority as the true Son of God whose power restores rather than crushes.
Joined to Christ in baptism, we share in this same pattern of descent and resurrection, receiving both the call and the promise to live his life for the sake of the world.
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By Desert Mission Anglican Churcha sermon from Fr. Nathan
When we come to Matthew 3 and the baptism of Jesus, we are entering a moment shaped by deep religious corruption, imperial domination, and a people longing not only for forgiveness but for deliverance.
John the Baptist calls Israel to repentance in this context, and Jesus—though he has no sin to repent of—chooses to descend into the Jordan to stand with the repentant and the oppressed.
In doing so, he sanctifies the waters, turning baptism from a mere sign into an effective means of God’s saving work, and reveals himself as the one who brings new creation where sin has disfigured the world.
At his baptism, God reveals Jesus’ affiliation with sinners, his allegiance to the Father rather than empire or institution, and his authority as the true Son of God whose power restores rather than crushes.
Joined to Christ in baptism, we share in this same pattern of descent and resurrection, receiving both the call and the promise to live his life for the sake of the world.