In Matthew 3 we find John the Baptist in the wilderness cleansing people of their sins (ways that do not align with God's best for our lives and turning towards God with humbled hearts). This is a call John takes seriously and lives out beautifully, set apart for a purpose, including a different wardrobe and even diet. One day Jesus Himself comes to be baptized and John is reluctant. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus has no sin. Jesus is already obedient to the Way and Word of God. He IS the Word of God. How can we baptize the Lord? And yet Jesus insists that this is the way it must go to show his obedience to Parent God in His own life, demonstrate for us what faithful life looks like lived out and to inaugurate the ministry that will lead him to the cross, the tomb, resurrection and back to heaven again to prepare a place for us. Baptism is a beautiful and powerful sacrament of the church not to be taken lightly and to be remembered again and again. This Baptism of Jesus Sunday we welcomed 2 new members to the church with a blessing to remember their baptism and 2 people were baptized and welcomed to the church local and universal. Praise be to God.
