"Backwards Baptism"

Sermon for The Baptism of Our Lord, Year A

Sermon Text: Matt. 3:17-17 (Jesus is baptized); Rom. 6:1-11 (baptized into Christ)

Jesus’ baptism reveals the shocking heart of God’s salvation, as the sinless Son steps into the waters meant for repentant sinners and allows himself to be counted among the guilty. John the Baptist’s protest highlights the great reversal taking place: Jesus, the faithful Son and true Israel, comes to stand in the place of faithless Israel and bear the sins of the world. In this moment, the great exchange begins—Christ takes upon himself sin, guilt, and death so that sinners may receive his righteousness, innocence, and life. As the Father declares Jesus his beloved Son and the Spirit descends upon him, the Holy Trinity is revealed acting together for the salvation of all nations. What begins at the Jordan is completed at the cross and now delivered to believers through baptism, where sinners are washed clean, united to Christ, and given a new identity as God’s beloved children.

Preacher: Rev. Matt Doebler, pastor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norfolk, VA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (LCMS)⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TLCnorfolk.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our mission is to make disciples and make them stronger through Word and Sacrament. (Mt. 28: 18-20)