Taking Flight – 12 January 2025 Epiphany 1 09C – Baptism of Jesus
This week in Taking Flight
Our gospel reading takes us to the excitement generated by John the Baptiser, who was out in the desert preaching and baptising. We ask what it means for us to be the baptised disciples of Jesus and provide resources to explore this theme with a congregation, a small group and children.
The Bible
Isaiah 43.1-7 The Lord promises to be present with his people to rescue them. “When you cross deep rivers I will be with you”.
Psalm 29 The voice of the Lord is heard in the storm and above the roar of the sea. He rules on his throne. Therefore we should pray to him for strength and peace.
Acts 8.14-17 The apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria because the people there had believed and been baptised but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Peter and John laid hands on them and they were given the Holy Spirit.
I followed this passage from Acts in a previous round the lectionary cycle. This resource can be found in the Taking Flight archives (13 January 2019 – 09C).
Luke 3.15-17, 21-22 Everyone was excited by the preaching of John the Baptiser and they wondered if he was the promised Messiah. He pointed to one more powerful who would baptise with the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus came to be baptised. The Holy Spirit came down on Jesus and a voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.”
The baptism of Jesus is found in the first three gospels and the descent of the Spirit on him in all four. (See also Mathew 3.13-17, Mark 1.9-11 and John 1.29-34). Studying the text using this parallels tool provided by the University of Toronto will give you a range of interesting comparisons:
- Only Matthew has John the Baptiser seeking to prevent Jesus’ baptism.
- While all four gospels have the Spirit descending as a dove, only Matthew includes “and alighting on him” and only Luke has the Spirit descending “in bodily form like a dove”.
- Only Luke mentions that Jesus was praying when the Holy Spirit descended on him.
On this day
The Baptism of the Lord is celebrated each year on the first Sunday following Epiphany. As we remember the Lord’s baptism, we also take time to reflect on our own baptism and the fact that this is something we have in common with our Lord. Being the beginning of the year, this is an ideal time to plan a baptismal service or to have a service that includes a re-affirmation of baptism and to call for a renewed commitment to following Christ. All the scripture readings today combine around this theme.
Season of Epiphany
Today is the first Sunday after the Feast of Epiphany. The word “Epiphany” comes from a word which means “appearance” or “showing”. We use the word in a secular sense of having a sudden realisation. The Feast of Epiphany is always on 6 January and is when Christians remember that the message of the gospel is for people of all cultures.
Because Easter is a moveable feast, the length of the Season of Epiphany and the beginning of Lent change each year. The Season of Epiphany is also the first season of Ordinary Time in the church year. (It is called “ordinary” because of the ordinal numbers: Epiphany 1, Epiphany 2, Epiphany 3 etc). The season this year covers eight Sundays, but in any given year may cover anything between four and nine Sundays. The first Sunday always focuses on the Baptism of Jesus and the last on the Transfiguration. Throughout this season we explore the calling of disciples and the early ministry of Jesus. It is a time when we focus on the church's mission to make disciples, reach out to the world, and tell the good news about Jesus.
Megathemes
Throughout this church season we set out to explore what it means for us to be called as disciples of Jesus. So it is appropriate today that we begin with baptism.
Our gospel reading takes us to the excitement generated by John the Baptiser, who was out in the desert preaching and baptising. No prophet had appeared among the Jews for more than four centuries and news of John was spreading. So much so, that crowds of people were prepared to leave their homes in the towns and villages to go out into the desert to hear him.
John’s preaching style did not include debating the finer points of theology. His message was direct and easy to understand. “Stop pretending to live right – just do it! If you have enough food – share with someone who hasn’t. If you’ve got two coats - give one to a person without a coat. Don’t play games with God – do what he wants you to do!” He told everyone to turn back to God and be baptised, with the promise that their sins would be forgiven. And crowds of people responded.
Many of them were thinking that all the buzz around John’s appearance was a sign that the coming of the Messiah was imminent. Others asked if John was the Messiah. But John explained that he was just the curtain-raiser to the main event – not even worthy to be the Messiah’s servant. The Messiah, he explained, will be strong and powerful. He will clean everything up and put it in its right place.
John’s baptism precedes the baptism that was practised by the Christian church. We can see from the story of Apollos (Acts 18.24-26), the latter has added significance. In both the water speaks of the washing away of our sin but, for the church, baptism is a sign of Christian initiation. It speaks of belonging to a new community – being grafted into, or adopted into, the family of God. Whether you are in a tradition that baptises infants then waits until they reach and age of independent decision to confirm them, or dedicates infants and waits until an age of independent decision to baptise them, the message is the same. Baptism is about belonging to the community of Jesus’ followers. Denominational arguments over the amount of water to be used, and when it is to be applied, seem to miss the main point.
So what does it mean for us to be the baptised disciples of Jesus? We get some idea from the voice from heaven at Jesus’ baptism that declared, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you” (Luke 3.22). These words are also recorded in the baptism accounts of both Matthew and Mark. They echo two statements that we find in the First Testament. The first is from Psalm 2.7 where they refer to the way God adopts Israel's kings - A passage that looks forward to the coming Messiah. There God’s voice says, “You are my son, because today I have become your father.” The next is from Isaiah’s Servant Songs, which also have Messianic overtones. There God says of his Servant, “He is my chosen one; I am pleased with him” (Isaiah 42.2).
Know you are a Child of God
At the time of Jesus’ baptism, God was watching the drama unfold. He was looking with love upon his Son who was about to begin his ministry on earth. God above was delighted as Jesus of Nazareth submitted to the baptism of John and, with a heart filled with love, he declared, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you”.
And at your baptism and mine God the Father looks with love in that same way and declares, “You are my own dear daughter…” or “You are my own dear son and I am pleased with you”. We need to know this. He loves us and calls us his children. The Apostle John explains, “Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are” (1 John 3.1). No matter who we are, no matter what we’ve done, know that we are called God’s children, and we are loved.
Know you are a Servant of God
Jesus’ baptism preceded his time of ministry. Isaiah’s Servant Songs go on to describe what serving God looks like, and the cost that is involved. “He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done. He won't quit or give up until he brings justice everywhere on earth” (Isaiah 42.3-4).
Here we get a glimpse of our calling as disciples of Jesus. All around us there are those bowed down like bent reeds, or with flickering faith like a dying flame. We see in the gospels Jesus taking the time to show compassion to such people. He was drawn to help them - Whether it was the Samaritan woman forced to draw water in the midday heat because she was shunned by her community - or the man who self-harmed and lived in a graveyard. He took the time to show compassion. And the same commission comes to us: Serve the needy and seek justice. Don’t give up. With this commission, God provides the energy that comes from the Holy Spirit. John the Baptiser preached about the baptism “with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Luke 3.16). The symbolism of fire speaks of, not just of testing and judgement, but wild enthusiasm and the power to do God’s will.
As we commemorate the baptism of Jesus today, let us reflect on our own baptism. For in our baptism God affirms his love for us and calls us into his service. Yes, there is the warmth of God’s love that draws us into community… but we can’t settle down into comfortable languor without hearing the Baptiser’s voice resounding through the wilderness, “Do something to show that you really have given up your sins” (Luke 3.8).
Issues
Luke’s megathemes
The gospel focus for Year C is Luke and, in the months ahead, we will be frequently following his account of the life of Christ. We pick up some of Luke’s special emphases as we read though his gospel.
- There is more about prayer in Luke than in the other gospels, including seven prayers of Jesus, and two parables about prayer that are unique to Luke. In the account of Jesus’ baptism from today’s reading the mention of prayer is also only in Luke’s gospel.
- From the beginning of Luke’s gospel, and also in today’s reading, the role of the Holy Spirit is prominent. It is the Spirit who is involved in the conception of Jesus, leading him into the desert to be tempted, then later teaching the disciples what to say – all of which leads into Luke’s Volume Two, the Acts of the Apostles.
- Luke’s emphasis on the humanity of Jesus stands out in the passages about Jesus’ birth, youth and suffering that are unique to his gospel.
- Luke has a special interest in poverty and wealth and, along these lines, are several parables of Jesus that are unique to his gospel. In Matthew’s first recorded beatitude Jesus blesses the “poor in Spirit”. In Luke it is just the “poor” and there is an added woe, “but you rich people are in for trouble”.
- Linked to this is Luke’s concern for the underdog and the disenfranchised. More than in the other gospels Jesus associates with sinners and tax collectors. Luke mentions, in total, thirteen women that are not in the other gospels and has a special concern for children.
Prayers
Call to worship
Come to worship.
Listen for the voice of the Lord.
Hear the echoes over the oceans.
The voice of God thunders above the roar of the raging sea.
The Lord rules on his throne.
He is mighty and marvellous.
Come to worship.
Opening prayer
God of Love
we come to you today just as we are.
We draw strength from being your people
and belonging to your family.
We bring our hopes and dreams,
our uncertainties and our fears
as we begin this new year.
We gather as your followers
knowing you will lead us in the ways of love.
Be with us today as we worship.
Be with us tomorrow and through this week.
Be with us always.
Amen
In the news
Sadly missed will be this prophet who spoke to our hearts about the contemporary condition of humankind by means of his poignant cartoons. Among his repeated themes were consumerism, corporations and warmongering. Click on the link for the obituary and samples of his work.
“Michael Leunig – who died in the early hours of Thursday December 19, surrounded by “his children, loved ones, and sunflowers” – was the closest thing Australian cartooning had to a prophet. By turns over his long career, he was a poet, a prophet and a provocateur.”
The Conversation – 20 December 2024
Baptism at Popular Beach Sees 5,000 People Accept Jesus in Port Moresby
“Up to 48 Seventh-day Adventist pastors baptized 5,000 people at Ela Beach in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on May 11, on the closing day of the PNG for Christ evangelistic series across the country.”
Marcos Paseggi reports for Adventist Review - 20 May 2024
Mother and 2 teenage sons combat addiction and get baptized together
“An entire family is overcoming life-altering addictions and finding freedom in Jesus by attending different Adult & Teen Challenges across Manitoba.”
Sylvia St. Cyr reports for CHVN 95.1FM - 4 December 2024
In music, film and literature
Music
- John the Baptist (Holy John) is an Al Kooper song off his solo album New York City (1971) and he also recorded it with his band on Blood Sweat and Tears 4 (1971). Listen on YouTube. Read the lyrics.
- Ghost by Ella Henderson (2014) is a lovely song off her Chapter One album which is derivative of the old spiritual Down to the River. It was Ella’s debut single and became a smash hit, which was not a bad result for her after being an X Factor reject in 2012. Listen on YouTube. Read the lyrics.
- Baptism by Randy Travis will be liked by fans of good-old-country-music. It is from his Inspirational Journey (2000) album Listen on YouTube. Read the lyrics.
- Wash me Clean by KD Lang is from her 1992 album, Ingénue. Watch on YouTube. Read the lyrics.
And three traditional African-American spirituals (the lyrics have many variations):
- Take me to the water (also known as Take me to the river) is one of the best-known. It’s hard to find much about its origin. One source says it is early twentieth century… but it may well be earlier still. It has been recorded many times by gospel and blues singers, and more than a few modern artists claim to have written it. This YouTube version is by Nina Simone. Read the lyrics. This song may be where the idea for Al Green’s Take me to the River came from – a song made famous by Talking Heads (off their 1978 album More Songs about Building and Food) and also recorded by Courtney Love.
- Wade in the water is a baptismal hymn which was reportedly sometimes sung as a warning to runaway slaves that dogs were tracking them. (If they went to the river the scent of their trail would be lost.) It was first published in New Jubilee Songs as Sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers (1901) and has been recorded by Bob Dylan (Live 1961–2000: Thirty-Nine Years of Great Concert Performances - 2001) and dozens of others. This version on YouTube is by Blind Boys of Alabama. Read the lyrics.
- Down to the river to pray. This traditional African-American spiritual was first published in 1867 and has been recorded by a host of artists including Lead Belly in 1940. Read the lyrics. Alison Krauss recorded a version that became popular in 2000 and is available on the O brother, where art thou? movie soundtrack. A more recent version (2005) has been recorded by Jill Johnson.
Film
- The Truman Show (1998 – PG) Unwittingly caught in a reality television show, Truman can only find real life by means of going through the water. The movie is full of allusions to the Christian faith and some see in this a parallel to baptism. Written and produced by Kiwi Andrew Niccol.
- The Miracle Maker (2000 – PG) Like most Life of Christ movies this engaging “claymation” version includes a scene in which Jesus is baptised.
Literature
- On Taking the Watery Plunge – a poem by Michael Coffey.
Getting creative
Come Holy Spirit
Provide a dove shape to each person, pre-cut from white cardboard.
Pre-cut a slit in the middle of the body for wings to be added.
Punch a small hole near the top of the body to thread string.
Hand out sheets of white paper and pencils to each person.
Based on today’s theme, invite participants to write one-word prayers or draw their prayers on the paper, inviting the Holy Spirit to be at work in their lives.
They then fold the paper into a concertina fan on the short-side and thread through the slit in the dove.
Tie a string to the top of the dove.
Pre-string a line across the front of your worship space or in front of opening windows in your worship space and invite participants to tie their doves to the string.
Finish with a leader-led prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to be at work in all our lives.
(Watch this video for dove instructions.)
Bath crayon prayer
Draw a messy pattern on a piece of white fabric with bath crayons. As you draw your messy doodle, talk to God about things in your life which are messed up. Give these things to God. Wash your fabric in a bowl of cold water. Rub the fabric and watch the crayon markings disappear. Give thanks to God for fresh starts, new opportunities and second chances.
© Caroline Bindon from 5 Senses to Prayer Collection (Kereru Publishing)
Bath Crayons are available from toy shops or make your own. There are several recipes available on the internet.
Getting visual
From the Brick Testament
- Jesus is baptised in 7 slides
Cartoons
- Brainwashing from reverendfun
- Extreme baptism from reverendfun
- Surprise baptism from reverendfun
- Baptising with fire from Agnus Day
- Where’s my dove? from Agnus Day
- Met in utero from Agnus Day
In Christian art
- The Baptism of Jesus from Wikipedia features public domain art works by Andrea Mantegna 1505, Ottavio Wannini 17thC, Juan Navarrete 1567, Guido Reni 1623, Gerard David 1505, Gregorio Fernandez 1630 and Grigory Gagarin 19thC.
- John the Baptist in the desert by Cristofano Allori 17thC from Wikimedia Commons.
From YouTube
- The baptism of Jesus from Saddleback Kids (1min 51sec).
- Baptism of Jesus clip from the clay animation movie “The Miracle Maker” (2min 04sec).
- Was John the Baptist wrong about Jesus? Clip from “The Chosen” (8min 23 sec).
For youth or group discussion
Family belonging
Go around your group and talk about who is in your family. Every family is different.
- Who included step relations, more than two generations, close friends or pets in their family?
- What does it mean to be in God’s family?
- How wide is God’s family?
- What’s a sign of being in God’s family?
- Can you think of a time when someone told you that they were pleased with you?
- How did that make you feel?
- Why do we need affirmation?
Read Luke 3.15-17, 21-22
- Why do you think John baptised people?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to be baptised by John?
- Why are people baptised today?
- When Jesus was baptised the Father’s voice was heard saying, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you” (Luke 3.22). As a follower of Jesus can you sense God saying the same thing to you?
With the kids
On the team
You will need to wear some merchandise apparel for a local sports team (shirt, hat or scarf etc) and have some water in your baptismal font (or pool).
- Who recognises this shirt?
- What does it mean if I wear this shirt?
When I wear this, it is a sign that I belong to the local team or that I support the local team.
It’s a bit like our baptismal font (or pool). Today is Baptism of the Lord Sunday and I want to tell you about why we baptise and what happens when we baptise people. Just like this shirt tells you that I belong to or support a team, when people get baptised it is a sign that they belong to the family of God. It means we are on Jesus’ team.
- And what is in the baptismal font? Water.
- What do we use water for?
We can use water for a lot of things. We drink it. It is refreshing and it’s actually necessary to keep us alive. The water in the baptismal pool reminds us of the life that Jesus brings us. Following Jesus is refreshing and invigorating.
We also use water for washing. The water reminds us that Jesus can wash away the wrong things we do. When we come to God and say sorry, he forgives us and makes us clean again.
So, when we are baptised it’s a sign that we belong to God’s family. It is also a sign of the refreshing life that God gives us, and of the cleansing forgiveness that God offers us.