Sermon: Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus’ Baptism

Matthew 3 is all about beginnings. We begin the Christian life with repentance and baptism.

In this sermon we will look at baptism: Jesus’ baptism and ours.

Baptism is gospel-theater. It is a living metaphor for the great movements and meaning of salvation. They are “visible words” meant to help us physically experience the gospel — outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace. 

To help us appreciate the meaning and beauty of baptism we will answer three big questions in regard to baptism: 

1. Why are we baptized in water?

2. Why do we go under the water?

3. Why is it done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? 

Our goal is to help you appreciate your baptism, or motivate you to seek it if you haven’t already been baptized.

It is to help you remember so that every time you reflect upon your baptism you remember these words of blessing: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.

It is to remember how Jesus was plunged under the waters of judgment so that we could be raised in waters of life.

It is to remember that the Beloved Son made a way so you can call God your Father.

It is to remember that just as the Spirit descended upon Christ, He now lives in us.

It is to remember that you were once outside of the family of God due to your sin, and now you have been brought in because it has been pardoned.

And to remember that you are now a brother or sister to all who have also been baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that the church is now your spiritual home. 

Baptism is a gift of a new name, a new family, and a new mission.