The Baptism of the LORD (CL)

Luke 3:18-23

¹⁸ So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. ¹⁹ But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, ²⁰ added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

²¹ Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

²³ Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, …

I would really urge if you have time to read through all the names. The genealogies of Jesus Christ both have great significance that is often over looked, because it is just a list of names. Then think of all the lists of names you encounter in your life. Think of all the people, and that each of these people have a story.

So often we can just briefly tell the story, even though the story is very important. The Baptism of Jesus is such a significant event yet only given one verse. Each of us as individuals may only get one verse in the course of history. Some of us may even think that our lives are so insignificant and no one will ever remember us or anything we have done. There may be others of you, who have done great things and have your name on some record or significant materials.

But it does not matter who you are. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist come together to share just one verse in the Gospel of Luke. They share this day together for our righteousness. They share this event with the long list of names. They share this event with you. Jesus does this as the beloved Son of God to claim you as part of his lineage and family. Jesus adds your name to his family. He does this at your Baptism. Your story is joined with Christ’s story.

It does not matter if your name is written in record books, it is written in the book of Life. It is God who gives our life significance not our deeds or blood line. It is all about your new family.