Sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord (observed)

In John’s gospel, we run into John the Baptist where everything is done and over for him. He’s completed his mission. The baptism is done. He has identified the Christ, and now is pointing his own disciples, Andrew and Peter, James and John, to follow Jesus instead. As he says “He must increase, and I must decrease.” To reveal, to point, and bear witness to Jesus has been his life’s goal.