Beloved and Sent


Isaiah 42:1–9 | Acts 10:34–43 | Matthew 3:13–17

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord always feels a bit quiet—almost understated. There are no angels singing, no star in the sky, no wise men bearing gifts. Instead, there is a river, a crowd, and muddy water.

And yet, this moment may be one of the most revealing scenes in the entire Gospel.
Jesus steps into the Jordan not as a teacher, not as a miracle-worker, not yet even as a preacher. He comes simply as one among many. He joins the line of people seeking repentance, healing, and hope. The sinless one enters waters meant for sinners. That alone should give us pause. The Servant Who Does Not Shout

Isaiah’s reading gives us a vision of God’s chosen servant that feels almost countercultural:
“He will not cry or lift up his voice…
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench.”
This is not the image of a triumphant ruler or a forceful reformer. Instead, it is the portrait of a servant whose power is gentle, whose authority is expressed through faithfulness rather than force.

When Jesus steps into the Jordan, Isaiah’s prophecy becomes visible. God does not stand above humanity demanding purification. God steps into human vulnerability. Divine strength is revealed not through domination, but through presence.
The baptism of Jesus shows us a God who chooses closeness over control.
A God Without Favorites
In Acts, Peter finally understands the implications of what God has done in Christ:
“I truly understand that God shows no partiality.”
This realization does not come easily. It overturns long-held assumptions about who belongs, who is worthy, and who is acceptable. 

The baptism of Jesus is not a private spiritual milestone—it is a public declaration that God’s grace refuses to stay contained.
The heavens open over ordinary water. The Spirit descends into a very human moment. God’s voice speaks before Jesus has accomplished anything impressive.
Jesus is called “Beloved” not because of what he has done, but because of who he is.
And that changes everything—for Gentiles, for outsiders, for those who have always assumed they were standing at the edge of God’s mercy.
Why Jesus Insists on the Water

Matthew tells us that John the Baptist is understandably confused. Why should Jesus submit to a baptism meant for repentance?
Jesus’ answer is simple and profound:
“It is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”
Righteousness here is not about rule-following. It is about faithfulness. It is about God’s unwavering commitment to humanity.
Jesus stands exactly where we stand. He enters the water we fear. He shares fully in the human condition.
Only then do the heavens open. Only then does the Spirit descend like a dove. Only then does the voice speak:
“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Not after a sermon. Not after a miracle. Not after the cross.
Before anything else—Jesus is named, claimed, and loved.
What This Means for Us
The Baptism of the Lord always draws us back to our own baptism.
In baptism, we are not celebrated for our achievements. We are claimed by grace. We are named before we are successful, loved before we are certain, welcomed before we are finished becoming who we are meant to be.
The voice that speaks over Jesus echoes over all who are baptized into him: You are my beloved.

Baptism, however, is never only about identity—it is also about mission.
Isaiah reminds us that the servant is sent: to open blind eyes, to bring light into darkness, to loosen what is bound. We are not baptized out of the world, but into it—sent as people who know what it means to stand in muddy water and still hear a voice of love.

Standing Again at the Jordan
Each year, this feast invites us to stand again at the water’s edge.
We watch Jesus step into the river. We hear God speak delight. And we remember that grace is not afraid of our mess.
God still meets us where life is real. The Spirit still descends into ordinary moments. And the belovedness spoken over Christ is shared with us.
Beloved—before being sent. Claimed—before being commanded. Loved—all the way into the water.
Thanks be to God.

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