In this sermon on the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:1317), we reflect on why Jesus insists on being baptized and what that moment reveals about identity, belonging, and mission. Drawing on the image of the Spirit descending like a dove, Pastor Amy explores how Jesus baptism pulls together divinity, humanity, creation, and belovednessgrounding Jesus for the work ahead.

Baptism is not presented as an ending, but as a beginning: a sending into the world with clarity of identity and purpose. Just as Jesus moves from the waters into wilderness, temptation, and mission, we are invited to remember our baptism as a daily grounding in who we are, whose we are, and what we are called to do. Through ritual, remembrance, and community, we are strengthened to follow the essential mission of Jesus with courage, compassion, and hope.