January 8, Baptism of the Lord A (Matthew 3:13-17)
Even Jesus is unable to escape the consequences of sin, becoming a victim of human violence.
“Why did jesus need to be baptized by John? Why did he need to be baptized at all?” she asked me as we shook hands after worship. I love it when worshipers ask thoughtful questions, but there was a long line of people behind her bobbing their heads to see what was taking so long. Was she looking for a one-sentence answer? What was the question behind the question? Why did it matter to her? How I answered would depend upon her assumptions.
“Good question!” I said. She agreed to wait until everyone had gotten through the line.
She is not alone in wondering. According to our reading from Matthew, John is the first to see the irony: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Does baptism in John’s context indicate some kind of hierarchy? Is John making disciples of those he baptizes, becoming their mentor or master? Will my alert worshiper be surprised that I have more questions than answers for her?
