As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3 : 16 – 17

Readings this week Isaiah 42 : 1 - 9; Acts 10 : 34 - 43; Matthew 3 : 13 - 17

Thoughts for this week

Jesus’ baptism in Matthew’s Gospel is relayed to us in remarkably few words. We have the introduction to who John the Baptist is, and how he has come to point the way to Jesus. And John expresses his surprise that Jesus is asking to be baptised. John knows who Jesus is. Yet there is an immediacy to the Baptism itself. Something that needs to happen, in order for Jesus to begin His public ministry.

So much of our ministry happens in the moment. Without planning. As a surprise. At this time of year many of us are making plans, for visits and trips, maybe courses, maybe stopping some things and starting new ones.

Yet the Lord calls us to live in the moment. To be mindful and aware of the moment. Of God’s grace and love in the interactions of every day. For us to live as God’s people in this way we need to be rooted in prayer, in opening the Scriptures, in listening to the Holy Spirit. So we can use each moment, and the surprises that come our way.

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit at every moment. Yet he needed to be ‘in tune’ constantly with the father’s will, and live each moment of each day. We are called to follow Jesus’ example, and live in His power, His love and His grace. 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit, that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Heavenly Father, at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son: may we recognize him as our Lord and know ourselves to be your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen

We praise the Lord and give thanks …

For our own Baptisms

For those coming to faith in Jesus or are returning to church.

For the Lord’s provision of the resources we need for our ministry