Hearing the Father's voice: The Baptism of Christ

by Anne Linington⁽¹⁸⁷⁾ Red Star

Luke 3:15-22 The Baptism of Christ 10th January 2010

Introduction

At my licensing in September, “The Peace” had been announced, and probably to save time, it was suggested that we might “wave” to those we knew. Somwhere behind me I heard a familiar voice say loudly, “If they think I am going to wave to you, they can think gain”. Then our recently retired Vicar appeared, giving me a big hug, and of course everyone followed suit. Stephen had been able to link in a visit to his son and family in Sussex with coming to Portsmouth Cathedral. It was great to hear a voice I recognised so well.

Epiphany

In our passage today, we read of God's voice being heard at the Baptism of Christ.

It is one of several accounts that show us more about who Jesus is in the Church's season of Epiphany – literally meaning “manifestations or appearings”; It is the continuing revelation of the one who came as “a light into the world”

Last week we had the account of the Maji/ the Wise Men led by a star to see Jesus and worship him. They came to see the new-born “King of the Jews”, yet reveal that he is also “A light to the Gentiles”. It confirms that Jesus came for the whole world.

Next week we shall look at Jesus' first miracle at a wedding in Cana, where His glory is revealed. Another manifestation of who He is.

Today, our passage concerns His Baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. We know very little of what happened between the stories of his birth and when he went to the Temple, aged 12. Since that time he has been working as a carpenter in Nazareth, following Joseph into the family business. It is possible that Joseph has died and that Jesus has been supporting the family including “step-brothers/ sisters” born to Joseph and Mary.

Now it is time for Jesus to begin his Public ministry of preaching, healing and miracles which would lead towards his death on a cross for us all.

Christ's Baptism

We learn several things about Jesus through His Baptism. John speaks of Him as being “The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. I want to consider the voice that was heard from Heaven at that moment:

All of the Gospel writers record this event: Matthew, Mark and Luke mention the voice that was heard and what was said. Having already established the eternal relationship of God the father and the Son, John records the Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove.

What is clear is that through words and visual symbol, Jesus is revealed (manifested) as the Son of God.

It is a direct fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him;......”

It is clear that the “Messiah” promised in the Old Testament is the same person as the “Christ” of the New Testament, ie Jesus, God's anointed- the one on whom the Spirit comes in order to serve.

His baptism is immediately followed by temptations, where there is a direct challenge as to who Jesus is: “If you are the Son of God..turn stones into bread... If you are the Son of God,... throw yourself off this high place .. and God will send his angels to rescue you”.

It is crucial for us to understand that the baby born in Bethlehem, proclaimed by Angels, worshipped by shepherds and Wise Men, is none other than the Son of God.

“The Voice from Heaven”

Three things are said by this voice from Heaven, that we know to be God's voice. It is a voice that would again be heard at The Transfiguration, with slightly different emphasis:

“This is my Son...”

“Whom I love..”

“With Him I am well pleased..”

This was God saying who Jesus was at this important moment in His life...

My Son... I love Him.. I am well pleased with Him...”

Jesus was hearing these words before He had begun any of his public ministry. He hadn't yet preached, performed a miracle, healed anyone. He was emerging from being Jesus the Carpenter to Jesus the Saviour of the world.

Yet at that very moment, God acknowledged him as his Son.. who was loved and who pleased God.

This was God affirming WHO Jesus was, rather than WHAT he would do.

Application

Children need many things to grow into balanced people.

“Maslow's hierarchy of needs..” shows that we need more than our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. We need to be affirmed as individuals for healthy growth in our personality.

Fathers/ Parents

We need to hear from parents, and particularly from fathers, or those who father us, the things that Christ heard. Whether you are natural fathers, step-fathers, adoptive fathers, grand-fathers.. the self-esteem of children is built on hearing from you that they are.. your children..your son/ daughter..

that you love them .. and that your pleasure with them rests in who they are..not merely with what they can do or achieve.

Today I want to encourage all parents, and specifically fathers to vocalise your love for your sons and daughters. Thankfully in this day and age that is much more likely to happen than in past generations.

This will also make it easier for them to later understand the love of God as Father.

But what of those of us who have already grown up,

whose fathers were either absent-

perhaps they died in the war-

or they were typically “English” with their stiff upper lip-

or because of their own personality, they didn't put their feelings into words very easily.

Or perhaps we were part of a family where one member received all the praise and attention, and we didn't get any?

It may be that from our own fathers we never heard the words.. “You are my son/ my daughter.. I love you..I am well pleased with you”. What then?

It is important that within the Church, the body of Christ, that we build relationships

like spiritual parents and children,
whereby we can know we are loved and valued for who we are.
It maybe someone in this congregation that provides that for you,
or you provide it for someone else;
It may be through someone you have known in a previous church, or someone to whom you turn for spiritual guidance

God as Father

Whatever our experience of being fathered/ parented in the past, when we come to faith in Christ, we can rightly know that God is our Father.

In Christ we can hear for ourselves God's voice telling us we are his son..his daughter, that he loves us.. that he is really pleased with who we are. How could he not be when he has created us?

Some of us act as if what we DO for God determines His love for us; this may hang over from our experience of being parented.

God loves us not because of what we do, but because of who we are. If we could all believe that deep within, it would fundamentally alter all that we are, how we relate and why we serve.

Conclusion

Let us make some time to come back to this passage- this affirmation of God for His Son- let's look at our experience of being parented- particularly how our fathers related to us- and seek to know that deep acceptance of God as Father.

Sometimes we need a radical re-programming of the messages we heard as children.. a healing that enables us to hear God speak his word of affirmation into our hearts.

It could be helpful to speak to someone else and share our story

Meanwhile, repeat the words that Christ heard at His baptism as if God is today speaking them to you.. and let them sink deep into your heart and transform you..

"You are my child.. I love you.. I am well-pleased with you..”

Finally, Listen

to our Old Testament reading from Isaiah 43 and try to hear God's voice speaking to you right now.

Article submitted Saturday, January 09, 2010 & read 311 times.

Leave your comments through World Wide Bible Studies:

» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁹⁹⁾ (2 years 29 days ago.)

Great lessons here Anne! And wouldn't you just love to have a chair or other piece of "carpentry work" made by Jesus. I am so glad you posted this! Marijo
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» left by Anne Linington from UK (2 years 28 days ago.)

It's amazing how different parts of the Gospel narratives appeal to different people. Obviously you would be drawn to Christ the carpenter in view of Mick's craftsmanship with wood. Agricultural themes come to me because of my family's farming background- and shepherding.

It is strange being at home this morning- the service is taking place right now, so I pray God's presence, power and purpose will be a reality for them and us too- and yourselves as you wake to your new day.
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» left by Lance Ponder⁽⁹⁰⁾ (2 years 26 days ago.)

As a father I can tell you, I don't come close to living up to that standard. It is a blessing to have this as an example, to learn from and grow both as a father and as a child of the Father. Thanks for posting this. It has really encouraged me today.
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» left by Anne Linington from UK (2 years 26 days ago.)

Thanks Lance. I really appreciate your response, and wish you every blessing as a father and as a child of God.

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