February 3, 2013 Baptism

Matt 3  John knew the new kingdom was coming, and he knew that the kingdom had something to do with fire.  He did not know exactly what it looked like, but he knew that there was something broken with the current kingdom that the new kingdom would totally fix, and that the new kingdom was better, even if it took a little suffering to bring it in.  He imagined, one day, the true king would come with his kingdom, and he would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  He envisioned the purification of mankind that results from burning away everything that is not of value.  He foresaw the “real” truth replacing the “supposed” truth.

Jesus visited him as he was baptizing at the Jordan, and John recognized him, his cousin, and the One.  Jesus submits to be baptized in the river at John's hand.  John was confused himself at what this really meant.  For him, the more righteous should baptize the less righteous, but Jesus rejects his religion for the truth of obedience.  

When Jesus is baptized it expresses something profoundly true.  It proclaims the meaning of the kingdom of heaven, all wrapped up in a one act play.  It means that God's righteousness will atone for the errors of mankind, reuniting God and man after death.  It means that the Christ is willing and wanting to be burned by the will of God, that he is willing to be forced into death by the hands of men, that he is resigned to be man, and obey the will of God to be made like them and suffer for them.  It means that the salvation of God is present, and happening according to plan.  It means that Jesus has humbled himself to suffer and pour out his love on humankind.

As Jesus confesses his desire to be judged by God in the act of baptism, to be submersed in fire so that God's judgment could purify mankind, to be symbolically buried in death by the hands of men, and brought back up in submission to the will of God, something amazing happens.  In that moment, as God the Father watches the event, he is so moved Joy He rips the barrier between heaven and earth and proclaims his love, “My SON!  I am so proud of you!  I Love You!”  

This is baptism, and it is very, very good.