For the Sunday of the Baptism of our Lord, the three readings provided to use are Genesis 1:1-5; Romans 6:1-11 and Mark 1:4-11. Chosen to preach on is Mark 1:9, “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galille, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”

The task of the pastor is often seen as teacher to student. However, in light of the fact that the laity hold the highest office in the church; that is, the priesthood of believers, they also are to teach as Jesus instructed in revealing how to make disciples of all nations (baptizing and teaching). Therefore, each sermon is to address the listeners as the potential teachers to those in their community (whether children, relatives, coworkers, neighbors, etc.)

The task then of the pastor in regard to the baptism of the Lord is not just to provide content through insights but also to finish with comfort through promises. One way to accomplish this in regard to the Baptism of our Lord is to focus on three words in Mark 1:9. They are, “in the Jordan.” What is the significance of that?

On the one hand, it is true that the Baptism of Jesus is a kind of installation event for Jesus to begin His ministry as the Messiah. However, such information is not sufficient to raise the sermon to a level of preaching the Gospel which needs the promises from a gracious God. How does one accomplish that with the three words, “in the Jordan.”

Recall first of all what had just been happening in the Jordan prior to Jesus’ appearance. People from all over had come for a baptism of repentance. This ceremonial cleansing in the Jordan resulted in the river becoming a sewer of sin. What Jesus did by going into the water is to take upon Himself the sin of humankind. Jesus became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God through Him.

The baptism of Jesus begins the ministry mission of our Lord to take upon Himself the punishment of the curse of the Law that we deserved. In forgiveness we are no longer held accountable for what we have done, thought or said against God’s will. In this way, the baptism of Jesus becomes a teaching moment that the listener can use to teach others the true significance of His ministry.