Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of faith. It's a joy to gather together today, nestled in the warmth of our shared belief, united in our love for our Savior. We're here to reflect upon the miraculous, the divine, the transformative. We're here to consider the baptism of Jesus, the birth of our new lives through water and spirit, and our enduring faithfulness as God's adopted children.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word. We pray that as we reflect on the baptism of Jesus, the rebirth through water and spirit, and our faithfulness as Your children, You would open our hearts and minds to the truths You want to reveal to us. Guide us, Lord, as we seek to grow closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Transition. Now, let us turn our hearts and minds to the first main point of our sermon today: Beholding the Baptism of Jesus.

Beholding the Baptism of Jesus

When we consider the scene at the Jordan river, we're drawn into a moment of divine significance. Jesus, the Son of God, steps into the water, ready to be baptized by John. This act, this moment, is not just a historical event. It's a revelation of God's love, a demonstration of humility, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' baptism is a profound display of God's love. As Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens open, and a voice declares, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." This declaration is not just for Jesus, but for all of us. Through Jesus' baptism, we see the depth of God's love for His Son and, by extension, for us. This is a love that sent Jesus into the water, and ultimately to the cross, for our sake.

In the act of being baptized, Jesus also demonstrates humility. Despite being the Son of God, He submits to the baptism of John, a human prophet. He doesn't claim privilege or exemption, but humbly steps into the water, identifying with us in our need for repentance and renewal. This humility is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It's a model for us to follow, an invitation to humble ourselves before God and others.

Jesus' baptism also carries a promise - the promise of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus comes up from the water, the Spirit descends on Him like a dove. This is a visible sign of the invisible reality that Jesus is filled with the Spirit, empowered for His mission. And this promise is not just for Jesus, but for all who follow Him. As we are baptized, we too receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live as God's children.

Finally, Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry. As He steps out of the water, He steps into His mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, and sight to the blind. His baptism is not an end in itself, but a beginning. It's the start of a life lived in obedience to God, a life that leads to the cross and beyond.

Transition. So, as we behold the baptism of Jesus, let's remember the love of God that it reveals, the humility it models, the promise it carries, and the mission it begins. Let's allow these truths to shape our understanding of our own baptism and our life as followers of Jesus. And let's commit ourselves anew to live in the light of these truths, as God's beloved, humble, Spirit-filled, mission-driven children.

Becoming Born Again through Water and Spirit

Jesus’ baptism was not just an event, but a declaration of a new birth, a birth through water and spirit ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO