Luke
3:18-23
8 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, …
John the Baptist preached the truth even to the oppressing Government. John was put in prison for these comments. John would later be beheaded for pointing out the sins of others. Though this text can truly remind us that we are always to be ready to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular, it also hardens back to the Baptism of our Lord.
Jesus Christ was Baptized by John the Baptist. He was not baptized for the forgiveness of Sins. But Christ was anointed to be the King of Kings, and take on the sins of the world. He serves as an example to all whom the Holy Spirit has come upon. You and me have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism. We, therefore, have become witnesses of Jesus Christ, and the truth of God.
Jesus has taken the sins of the world upon himself. He has taken your sins upon himself. Jesus likewise points out our sins. He reminds us of our faults. He reminds us of our failures. But he also forgives us. He is even coming to renew us.
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