The Baptism of the Lord

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and the official end to the Church’s observance of the Christmas season. After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, he was praying when Heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove; and a voice came from the heavens declaring, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11). God the Father favored his Son, Jesus. Rightfully so, since Jesus is the only
begotten Son of God. He is God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, as our Nicene Creed boldly proclaims. If we have any doubt regarding how God felt about his Son or the importance of his mission, the Gospels make it clear for us. The descending of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus in the form of a dove after his baptism was significant for two reasons: (1) it was a clear sign that Jesus was the promised Messiah anointed with the Holy Spirit, and (2) the Holy Spirit gave Jesus strength to fulfill his saving mission.

The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River marked a pivotal point in salvation history. It marked an end to the ministry of John the Baptist and his role of the one preparing the way for the Messiah, and it marked the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. John himself stated that he must decrease so that Jesus may increase. This new ministry would consist of Jesus preaching, teaching, and healing, and then climax with his passion, death, and Resurrection. Upon being baptized, Jesus dedicated himself completely to fulfilling the mission his Father sent him to accomplish.

The baptism of Jesus must have been a tremendous blessing to John the Baptist. With great longing, he had awaited the Servant of God, proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah. He knew the promised Messiah was coming and spent his life preparing the people to be attentive to the coming of the Christ. Finally, he was able to see and hear for himself that Jesus was the Promised One. The baptism of Jesus was a profound moment for John the Baptist and for the world, since it clearly revealed that Jesus was the promised Messiah and Savior.