January 13, 2025
The Baptism of Our Lord - Part 1
Matthew 3:13
01/13/2025
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to
John, to be baptized by him. (ESV)
Last week the Church celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany,
the revealing of Jesus as the Son of God to the Gentiles. As the
wise men offered their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to
the infant, they confessed that He is a king, that He is God, and
that He would die for His people.
Traditionally, the baptism of Jesus was part of the
celebration on the day of Epiphany, January 6. In some Christian
churches, the Baptism has been moved from Epiphany to the First
Sunday After Epiphany.
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be
baptized by him."
The word "Christ," like the word "Messiah," means "The
Anointed One." Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with
oil to signify their service to both God and the nation. Aaron,
the first high priest, was anointed by Moses at God's command.
God instructed the prophet Elijah to anoint his successor,
Elisha. Samuel anointed David to be king in the place of Saul.
Jesus, Himself, recognized that He was anointed to
accomplish God's work when He applied the words of Isaiah to
Himself.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD
has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has
sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim
liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison
to those who are bound.[1]
May our Lord grant us faith to see Jesus as the Prophet,
Priest, and King anointed by God for our salvation. Amen.
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1. Isaiah 61:1 (ESV) quoted in Luke 4:18