Wednesday’s Thoughts on the sermon
Sermons do not present themselves to us, they evolve. They take twists and turns from the beginning of the week and you never know there they are moving. This sermon for Sunday, February 11th is on the baptism of Jesus. I had selected the story of the baptism from the Gospel of John. The writer of that gospel is intent to show us that John did not baptize Jesus but that John baptized with water and Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. There is a problem if we think John baptized Jesus. John the Baptist came baptizing people in order to save them from sin. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized since he was without sin.
John’s Gospel deals with that by suggesting that John the Baptist did not baptize Jesus but noted the difference between John’s baptism and Jesus’.
If you look at Mark’s account of Jesus’ baptism you find that Jesus was baptized by John and you have a theological problem. It says, ‘In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.’
The sermon now has taken a different turn. I am probing why it is important that John baptize Jesus. I think there is a deeper truth here. I think this baptism is important. It speaks of the level of trust and friendship of both John and Jesus toward each other.
It seem the John had the crowd with him and Jesus did not. John, who was popular, abdicated his popularity to Jesus, who was unknown.
Jesus who had power, surrendered his power by allowing John to baptize him.
At the end of the episode in Mark we hear the voice from heaven that said, “You are my son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
I think God was pleased with Jesus who allowed himself to be baptized by John even though it wasn’t necessary but I also think God was pleased with John who showed defference to Jesus even though John was better known and more popular.
God is always pleased with us when we give to others in ways that aren’t required to empower them and to enable them to become the person they can become.
Have you have received power from someone else?
Have you ever been given authority from someone who had it and didn’t need to share it?
That’s what this baptism of Jesus by John, in the River Jordan is about.
If you have thoughts write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow others to see your response click on the “comments” box.
I look forward to your ideas.
Charles
