Baptism of our LORD reflection
Hymn: # 39 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
There are times in our lives (maybe a lot of times) that we will make mistakes. We often find ourselves needing to start fresh. And we can do that every day with God’s help. We can’t clean up our sins and mistakes, but the blood of Jesus washes our sins and makes us new.
What we will see in our lesson for today is that by God’s grace we can wipe away old messes and begin anew in Christ. Baptism reminds us that our sins are washed away. And we can come to God again and again for forgiveness.
Law/Gospel Theme: Before beginning His earthly ministry, Jesus was baptized by His cousin John. Although Jesus committed no sin, His baptism was an example for us. And an opportunity to demonstrate who He was and is as God’s son.
For us, baptism is a reminder that Christ’s blood has cleansed us from sin. We still make mistakes. But God will always grant us the opportunity to start over. For that reason daily we sincerely repent and trust His mercy.
Prayer: Father in heaven. At the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son. You anointed Him with the Holy Spirit.
Make all who come in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and in heritors with Him of everlasting life.
Hymn: # 40 How Firm A Foundation Vv. 1-3
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.
That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.
And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
–Luke 3:15-17; 21-22
As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying,
“I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 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.”
Hymn: # 40 Holy Firm a foundation Vv. 4-5
We’re still very early in the New Year. And with today’s story of Jesus’ baptism we hear this clear message: with Jesus help I can start fresh with a totally clean slate!
This reminds me a little bit of our lives as Christians. We make a lot of mistakes. And we can’t fix them on our own. We need something more than just us to make things better.
What do we need? We need the blood of Christ! We need God’s help to take away all of those mistake markings and give us a clean slate to start over.
This makes me think of baptism…Being baptized reminds us that we get to start fresh through Jesus. It reminds us that we can die to our sins and have new life.
Did you know that even Jesus was baptized? His cousin John baptized Him in a river. This might seem strange. Because of course Jesus never sinned.
However, it sets an example for us. At His baptism, a voice from Heaven came and told everyone “You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus truly is the son of God, and God Himself in human flesh. The baptism of Jesus started off His earthly ministry. Our baptism gives us a new start.
No matter when or how you are baptized, though, we will continue to make mistakes. God forgives us once and for all. But we’ll still be tempted to do things we shouldn’t. The good news is that we can always come back to God when that happens.
Jesus promises to let us start over again! We can wipe that slate clean and know that God always covers us in grace. We can’t do it on our own. But we can clear away those messes knowing that we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. We can always come to the Father in prayer and ask for His help.
He will clean away those mistakes every time, and give us a clean slate! God’s grace is pretty awesome and powerful, because He loves us so much!
Let’s pray and give thanks right now, asking for the Lord to help us remember His power and presence. And because of Jesus each day is a new day.
Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for giving us Jesus. Thank you that He died in our place and takes away our sins. Thank you for letting us start fresh. And “clean up” again and again. We know we make mistakes. But you always forgive! Making all things new. [1]
The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.
The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.
The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.
The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.
The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.
We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[2]
Hymn # 37 He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand
The Baptism of our LORD copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[1] Start with a Clean Slate! Children’s Sermon on Luke 3:15-17; 21-22 - Ministry To Children
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