The Nazareth Page- A gospel meditation for your home
January 11, 2026 – The Baptism of the Lord - Matthew 3:13-17
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Download this simple process to Prepare for Sunday using the Observe, Judge, Act Method
living thirty years mostly in obscurity, Jesus departs his domestic life in Nazareth and begins what’s called his public life. But instead of any kind of dramatic beginning, he joins the group of ordinary people who are making their way to the banks of the Jordan River to be baptised by someone named John, a relative of his. He is providing a water ritual of receptivity to God, a sign of repentance from sin. And an expression of willingness to live a life more in tune with the laws of God as understood in those times. Jesus arrives at the banks of the river, likely feeling much like the others who had gathered there.
Upon his arrival, Jesus receives two messages. One is from John, while the other is from God. John tries to convince Jesus that he should be baptized by Jesus. Why? It’s not clear. Jesus again asks for baptism for himself and John complies. After all, Jesus is fully aware that he is a human being, just like the rest of us. But there is more to this event.
After being baptised, a second message comes to Jesus, not from the water on Earth, but rather words from heaven. The divine message is clear to Jesus. He is doing well and heading in the right direction. He is a beloved son of God and God is pleased with the direction he is heading. He is called God’s son, like his historical ancestor, King David was.
Centuries later Jesus will be clearly said to be both divine and human. Today biblical scholars debate whether Jesus was humanly conscious of his unique identity. Clearly, we have hints of his uniqueness mentioned right at the beginning of his public life. This is suggested in today’s gospel reading. He was identified as both divine and human.
We too can trace our existence to the mind and heart of God. And while most of us are conscious of the human aspect of our existence, what about our divine origin? Do we believe that God knew us even before we were conceived and born? Did God intentionally create each of us and loved us even before we began our biological existence?
In today’s gospel it might be concluded that Jesus in his human form gradually came to know of God’s love for him in events, like at his baptism by John. And in subsequent events as he grew in wisdom and knowledge, much like we do. As we begin a new calendar year, this is an opportune time to think about such matters, perhaps like Jesus did as he stepped out of the water with wonder and gratitude. How much are you and I truly connected with God’s personal love of us both at the beginning and as our lives unfold each day?
David M. Thomas, PhD