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Sermons

Jesus Gives Us Baptism and Takes Our Cross

January 15, 2023 Speaker: The Rev. Mike McDonald Series: Epiphany: Christ For The World

Topic: Epiphany Passage: Matthew 3:13–17

John the Baptist called Jews to be baptized, something reserved for Gentiles converting to Judaism. It was offensive to Jews, but needed. Their spiritual security was falsely placed in being descendants of Abraham. Many people place their security in the wrong things. What we need is a Savior who can actually save. This is Jesus alone.  

Jesus gives us baptism and takes our cross.

  1. Jesus gives baptism. The baptism that Jesus brought was different from John’s (See Matthew 3:11). It was not merely for repentance, but accomplishes more. It makes a strong identification between sinful man and a sinless Savior. It affirms the Father’s love for his Son and for us as adopted sons and daughters. It manifests the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit to carry people through this life of temptations.
  1. Jesus took our cross. In Mark 10:38-39, Jesus refers to the cross as a type of baptism awaiting him. He was anointed as the Christ for the purpose of dying to atone for our sins. His cross actually should have been ours. He came to save us from the wrath of God and reconcile us to God. It’s humbling and must be received as a gift.

Our spiritual security is in Christ alone. Trust in his sacrificial death and nothing else for your salvation. Cherish your baptism and stand secure in its benefits. Strive to be like Jesus by taking up your own cross of self-denial.

Taking It Home: Think through the meaning of the following prayer, then pray it from your heart.

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (BCP, p. 598)

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