an unfolding story Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus story unfolded over a great number of years. Jesus unique relationship with the divine and the wonder of His birth were known for a brief flash very clearly to a small number of people at Christmas. His mother and father, the shepherds who heard the news near Bethlehem of his birth, the wise-men who came from the east, they all understood that he was someone wonderful and unexpected coming from God directly into the world. Others had a vague sense, like Herod, that a new king, a Messiah, was coming, but they couldn't tell this new born king apart from any other new born.

We catch a glimpse of Jesus' potential when, in his childhood, Jesus made a trip that Luke writes of to Jerusalem. Jesus found himself at home in the temple as if he was really at home in his Father's house. Everyone who met him was amazed by his wisdom and understanding even as a boy. And Jesus' parents were upset having feared that they had lost him.(Luke 2:41-52) And then for years there were no new signs. He grew, he lived in a family, and then a moment came.
John's ministry set the way. He preached repentance and huge crowds came to see him and lay down their sins and be baptized. And in that moment, once John's ministry had begun,

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶ And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 NRSV

John knew he was to get the way ready. He knew someone great was coming. Jesus came to serve the father. He came and the crowds who first heard him preach and saw him heal were amazed. The people followed him wanting to be near to him. And one day we learn that He would give all glory away to die for the people. And 3 days later he rose.

We hear today that Jesus pleased the father. And we know by faith that we are pleasing in God's sight because of what Jesus has done for us and for the whole world. We know by faith that the words of the father matter for us today because we walk in faith where Christ has lead the way, through baptism, through the joys and struggles of this world, and on towards life everlasting in Him. AMEN
Pax, John.

PS Please pray for my wife Siri, our 3 girls, and myself. We are entering a time in our marriage that will require a great deal of God's mercy and love for all of us. Help us Lord to be witnesses of Christ's love for one another.