Mark 1:9-11
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Baptism, vision, and voice. The details of Jesus’ baptism are few. But they are significant, especially the voice. “You are my Son, the beloved. With you I am well pleased.”
What a tremendous affirmation. We might – and often do – say much the same to the people we love in any number of different ways: “I love you; you make me happy.” Or, “You are so incredibly important to me.” Or, “You are my precious child, and I can’t imagine life without you.” No matter you say it, the words amount to more or less the same thing because this is the language of love. The language, in particular, of a parent’s unbelievable, incalculable love for a child.
This is how Jesus’ ministry begins: with a simple, profound affirmation of God’s love and pleasure and confidence and commitment. There is much to come, some of it joyful, other elements that will be difficult, even painful. Which is why these words are so very important.
Of course, we really have no idea what was in Jesus’ mind as he came to these waters. The gospels are short on reporting Jesus’ introspection. Whether he was anxious or at peace, excited or hesitant, curious or confident. We really don’t know. What we do know is that in these words Jesus is given his identity. He discovers who he is in relation to whose he is.
And guess what: the same is true for us. In Holy Baptism, God claims us as God’s own, calls us God’s beloved child, and promises to be both with us and for us forever. And, like Jesus, this is an important way to begin our life and ministry as well. Because much is in front of us also. Some of it will be joyful, and other parts difficult, even painful. And so at the outset of our Christian life and mission, God says the same thing to each of us. “You are my beloved child, and with you I am well pleased.”
Maybe this is why when Martin Luther felt pressed or pressured, tempted or discouraged, he was known to cry aloud, “I am baptized,” and in this way remind himself that he was God’s beloved child. Other Christians throughout the centuries have begun each and every day this way, washing their faces as part of their morning routine and letting the water remind them of their baptismal identity. For we, also, know who we are in relation to whose we are: beloved children of the God who created and still sustains the vast cosmos and yet also knows each of us by name.
Prayer: Dear God, remind us of your great love for us and all the world, that we may find our identity and our future in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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