Coming Out of the Waters with Us
Celebrated on the Octave of Epiphany, the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. There is a good reason Jesus’ baptism has a prominent position within the rest of the Epiphany period, often being celebrated on the first Sunday of the season. After all, this event was a critical event in his redemption of mankind and the beginning of his earthly ministry.
In many ways, one can see Jesus’ ministry as bookended by baptism. In his Celebrating the Saints, the Rev. Will Weedon remarks that Matthew’s Gospel starts with Jesus’ own baptism and ends with his command to bring that same sacramental gift to all the nations. The way Matthew frames his Gospel, then, shows that baptism is a primary gift of the Father, who declares that it should be done to all of his beloved and uses it to give the gift of the Holy Spirit to all believers.
Another major theme of this celebration is the appearance of all three persons of the Trinity together at Jesus’ baptism. This event is remarkable because it is one of the only times in the Bible when the entire Trinity is seen together: the Son standing in the Jordan River, the Spirit descending upon him like a dove, and the Father speaking from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17). Thus, Jesus’ baptism reveals yet another part of his identity—his relationships with the other persons of the Triune God—during this season that recalls his Epiphany to all of mankind.
These scriptural events also point toward what happened at our baptism. Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, at our baptism the Holy Spirit took up residence in us. Just as the Father proclaimed that Jesus was his “Beloved Son,” at our baptism we become adopted children of God. Just as the heavens were opened at Christ’s baptism, our baptism meant that heaven was opened for each and every one of us.
A Brief History
As we’ve mentioned before, this feast day was originally elided with the rest of the Epiphany celebration, being combined with the commemorations of the Adoration of the Magi and the Wedding at Cana. However, the separation of this feast from the January 6th date has served to distinguish it as a separate event in the Epiphany period of Jesus’ revelation.
It will come as no surprise that the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord has often been a popular day for baptisms in the church. Although Lutherans believe in infant baptism and tend to practice those throughout the year soon whenever babies are born, this day—much like the Easter Vigil—has historically been reserved for adult baptisms, marking a time of celebration after the Christmas season and before the start of Lent when the Church has often welcomed new members into the family of God.
Collect
O God, our heavenly Father, whose voice was heard at the Baptism of Thine only-begotten Son, declaring Him to be the One with whom Thou art well-pleased: pour down Thy Holy Ghost upon thy faithful people, that we may rejoice in this same sonship that we have received from Thee through our Baptism into Christ; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons
Epistle
Gospel
Resources
Issues, Etc. interview with the Rev. David Petersen on the Baptism of Our Lord
Propers found in Daily Divine Service Book: A Lutheran Daily Missal, edited by the Rev. Heath Curtis
References:
1. Weedon, William. Celebrating the Saints. Concordia Publishing House. 2016.
Images:
1. Baptism in Jordan, Hans Wechtlin I, Germany, 1526.
2. Triptych of Jan Des Trompes, Gerard David, The Netherlands, 1505.
3. John the Baptist Baptizing Christ, Francesco Trevisani, Italy, 1723.
