Jan 3, 2012
Focus Reading: Mark
1:4-11
This time in the church year
following Christmas is called Epiphany. At this time we think about
who Jesus is. Last week we heard about Jesus being the sign that
God’s love is for everyone. This week we hear about Jesus being
baptised and the voice from heaven which declares Jesus to be God’s
deeply loved Son. No matter what people believe about God the
universe and everything, most people, even atheists, will say that
Jesus was one of the most remarkable people who ever lived. He was
a great example to follow and a teacher of profound and
transforming ideas.
I agree with all of that but I think
the story about Jesus’ baptism is saying that Jesus was more than
that.
Jesus Baptism is a sign
that
1. God
comes to us – We don’t go to God.
2. God
fully accepts what it is to be human.
3. God
shares divinity with us – God is with us in person.
4. God
shares the Spirit with us – God lives in us and gives us life and
strength.
Questions for thoughr
or discussion:
What do you understand the
Baptism of Jesus to mean? What do you think of the notion that
Jesus was truly God and truly human? What is the significance of
God being with us?