At Jesus’ baptism, before any miracles or achievements, the Father declares, “This is my Son, the Beloved.” Grace is received, not achieved. God’s word over us is not about performance but identity: Beloved. That word empowers Jesus for his ministry and can empower us too.

Sermon preached by Peter Tepper on 11 January 2026 at St Peter the Fisherman, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.