Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2023)
Illustration
Isaiah 42:1-9
I read the story about an elderly woman in a small town named Ethel who always went to the same post office because the employees there were friendly. One Christmas season, she went in to buy stamps. On that day, the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait. There was stamp machine by the front door. Ethel smiled. “I know, but the machine won’t ask me about my arthritis.”
People want to be seen and heard. No one really wants to be the “invisible man.” The description of God’s servant in this passage indicates that he will see those others may not. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:3).
Bill T.
* * *
Acts 10:34-43
In a sermon on this lesson, Martin Luther portrays it as a word of comfort:
Then Peter explains this new gospel message as the doctrine of peace... The apostle portrays it as a comforting message, a gospel of joy and grace, a message not accusing, threatening and terrifying with the vision of God’s wrath for our sin... (Complete Sermons, Vol.4/1, p.195)
John Calvin elaborates further on this theme in the text as he writes:
Therefore, the first accepting of God, where he receiveth us into favour, is altogether free; for there can as yet no respect of works be had, seeing all things are corrupt and wicked, and taste of [bespeak] their beginning. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. XVIII/2, pp.439-440)
Another angle for the sermon is the Sunday’s emphasis on baptism. Martin Luther’s comments on the subject seem most appropriate:
Thus, we see what a very splendid thing baptism is. It snatches us from the jaws of the devil, and makes us God’s own, restrains and removes sin, and then daily strengthens the new man within us. It is and remain ever efficacious until we pass from this state of misery to eternal glory. For this reason, everyone should consider his baptism as his daily dress, to be worn constantly. (What Luther Says, p. 61)
Mark E.
* * *
Acts 10:34-43
Peter speaks about the ministry and life of both John and Jesus but accents the need for faithfulness. Peter reminds us that we are called to obey the Lord, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I must admit that I much prefer to be a leader, rather than a follower. My late husband used to remind me to watch out for using my manager’s voice at home. I need to remind myself that I am not, thankfully, in control of the universe. My prayer times almost always focus on the need to hear God’s voice and follow the teachings of Jesus. Following is hard for me — yet, how could I avoid following the one who preached peace, did good and healed those in need? The baptismal promises we make or affirm remind us to follow Jesus, to walk in the footsteps of God Incarnate in the world. Peter reminds us that these promises and aspirations have been with us since the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. I pray I, we, listen and follow.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Acts 10:34-43
We often think of Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles and forget that in the Acts of the Apostles Philip reaches out to the Samaritans, and Peter is called by the Holy Spirit to answer the prayers of the centurion Cornelius, leading to him baptizing the centurion and his whole household. The Holy Spirit led Peter, the Holy Spirit listened to Cornelius, the Holy Spirit is identified as the agent and agency of the human ministry of Jesus. At the conclusion of this witness about the death and resurrection of Jesus Peter says (in effect), “All the prophets testify about him. Opens the book. The Holy Spirit has been working before our arrival as a church.”
This is a groundbreaking moment. This first baptism of the Gentiles happened before there was any council or consultation to approve of it. None of this is the result of human innovation. This is totally the work of God’s Spirit.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 3:13-17
There’s the story of an old sinner who had successfully eluded conversion for much of his life — but at last his heart was opened to the Lord and he descended, reluctantly, into the river to be immersed in baptism’s waters. When he was lifted up, he shouted, “Praise God, it’s over!” The pastor embraced him, then said, “No, it’s just beginning.”
The baptism of Jesus is a mountaintop experience for him, but it was only the beginning, and it was followed immediately by the temptation.
Some might ask, why does Jesus have to be baptized, anyway? He is presented as sinless, and certainly not in need of a baptism of repentance. However, in this and many other things, Jesus shows his solidarity with us. He goes through the same things as us, including a rite of humility.
Jesus himself says that this is done to fulfill all righteousness. Righteous and self-righteousness are not the same thing. The righteousness of God means to become what God intended us to be. Like the old Shaker hymn says, “Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free, tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.” We each one of us is called to fulfill a certain unique role that no one else can do, and it is by becoming the disciple Jesus created us to be that we best honor God in our life.
One thing is clear — God had a plan for John’s life, and God has a plan for our lives. There’s an Old Testament scripture from Isaiah that is often interpreted as referring to John the Baptist. Isaiah declares “The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.” (Isaiah 49:1) These words are meant for us as well.
So, what is John’s place? What are we to make of John the Baptist, and what lesson should we take for ourselves from his life?
I think one way we can be like John the Baptist is to highlight and encourage the work of our fellow church members, not only the younger ones, and that is important, but also those who may be older but stepping into new avenues of service. More and more of us are exploring ministry in all its forms — youth ministry, pastoral ministry, counseling, and in many other ways — at a later period in our lives. We are bringing the skills and experience we have garnered in other avenues of life into this call from God.
(Adapted from the author’s book No Room for the Inn, CSS 2022)
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 3:13-17
The first inauguration of the president of the United States took place on April 30, 1789. That Inauguration Day began with the sounds of ceremonial artillery and church bells ringing across New York City, our nation’s first capital. At noon, George Washington made his way through large crowds to Federal Hall where both houses of Congress were assembled. On the second-floor balcony facing the street he was administered the oath of office by Robert R. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, and officially became the first president of the United States.
Since that time, the inauguration of the president is a huge event. Thousands of people gather and the nation watches while the world’s second-largest democracy starts an administration.
In a more powerful and much less visible way, Jesus’ ministry is inaugurated. John consents to baptize him. As he does, the heavens were opened, the Spirit descended like a dove and a voice spoke the words, “This is my son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” With that, Jesus began a ministry that led to a cross just outside of Jerusalem.
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 3:13-17
Water is life giving. Most evolutionary theorists hypothesize that it was the source of life, that the first animals with backbones had an ancestor is fish-like creatures. It seems that in ancient oceans there were chemicals in the solution brought into complex organic molecules as a result of the energy from the sun. To this day, all living cells must contain water, as water accounts for between 65% to 90% of the body weight of all the earth’s plants and animals. How appropriate then that the Christian life begins with water/baptism.
Martin Luther wanted the faithful to realize that baptism is not just powerless water. To the faithful he once proclaimed:
Who would call the baptism of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit powerless water? Do we not see what seasoning God throws into the water?... So it has become a priceless sugar water, fragrant nectar and medicine because God has interposed himself. (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.21)
Modern American Lutheran theologian Robert Jenson spoke of the fresh start baptism provides. He put it this way, that “My baptism broke the bond of the past on the future.” (Christian Dogmatics, Vol.2, p.331). But Luther nicely described baptism how we should celebrate our own baptisms:
The gospel should instill such amazement in us that we too would exult and proudly assert” I have been baptized in Christ; there is no doubt that through the Lord Jesus, I became a lord and can overcome death and sin, and heaven and all creation must serve my best interests. (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.156)
Mark E.
I read the story about an elderly woman in a small town named Ethel who always went to the same post office because the employees there were friendly. One Christmas season, she went in to buy stamps. On that day, the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait. There was stamp machine by the front door. Ethel smiled. “I know, but the machine won’t ask me about my arthritis.”
People want to be seen and heard. No one really wants to be the “invisible man.” The description of God’s servant in this passage indicates that he will see those others may not. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:3).
Bill T.
* * *
Acts 10:34-43
In a sermon on this lesson, Martin Luther portrays it as a word of comfort:
Then Peter explains this new gospel message as the doctrine of peace... The apostle portrays it as a comforting message, a gospel of joy and grace, a message not accusing, threatening and terrifying with the vision of God’s wrath for our sin... (Complete Sermons, Vol.4/1, p.195)
John Calvin elaborates further on this theme in the text as he writes:
Therefore, the first accepting of God, where he receiveth us into favour, is altogether free; for there can as yet no respect of works be had, seeing all things are corrupt and wicked, and taste of [bespeak] their beginning. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. XVIII/2, pp.439-440)
Another angle for the sermon is the Sunday’s emphasis on baptism. Martin Luther’s comments on the subject seem most appropriate:
Thus, we see what a very splendid thing baptism is. It snatches us from the jaws of the devil, and makes us God’s own, restrains and removes sin, and then daily strengthens the new man within us. It is and remain ever efficacious until we pass from this state of misery to eternal glory. For this reason, everyone should consider his baptism as his daily dress, to be worn constantly. (What Luther Says, p. 61)
Mark E.
* * *
Acts 10:34-43
Peter speaks about the ministry and life of both John and Jesus but accents the need for faithfulness. Peter reminds us that we are called to obey the Lord, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I must admit that I much prefer to be a leader, rather than a follower. My late husband used to remind me to watch out for using my manager’s voice at home. I need to remind myself that I am not, thankfully, in control of the universe. My prayer times almost always focus on the need to hear God’s voice and follow the teachings of Jesus. Following is hard for me — yet, how could I avoid following the one who preached peace, did good and healed those in need? The baptismal promises we make or affirm remind us to follow Jesus, to walk in the footsteps of God Incarnate in the world. Peter reminds us that these promises and aspirations have been with us since the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. I pray I, we, listen and follow.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Acts 10:34-43
We often think of Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles and forget that in the Acts of the Apostles Philip reaches out to the Samaritans, and Peter is called by the Holy Spirit to answer the prayers of the centurion Cornelius, leading to him baptizing the centurion and his whole household. The Holy Spirit led Peter, the Holy Spirit listened to Cornelius, the Holy Spirit is identified as the agent and agency of the human ministry of Jesus. At the conclusion of this witness about the death and resurrection of Jesus Peter says (in effect), “All the prophets testify about him. Opens the book. The Holy Spirit has been working before our arrival as a church.”
This is a groundbreaking moment. This first baptism of the Gentiles happened before there was any council or consultation to approve of it. None of this is the result of human innovation. This is totally the work of God’s Spirit.
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 3:13-17
There’s the story of an old sinner who had successfully eluded conversion for much of his life — but at last his heart was opened to the Lord and he descended, reluctantly, into the river to be immersed in baptism’s waters. When he was lifted up, he shouted, “Praise God, it’s over!” The pastor embraced him, then said, “No, it’s just beginning.”
The baptism of Jesus is a mountaintop experience for him, but it was only the beginning, and it was followed immediately by the temptation.
Some might ask, why does Jesus have to be baptized, anyway? He is presented as sinless, and certainly not in need of a baptism of repentance. However, in this and many other things, Jesus shows his solidarity with us. He goes through the same things as us, including a rite of humility.
Jesus himself says that this is done to fulfill all righteousness. Righteous and self-righteousness are not the same thing. The righteousness of God means to become what God intended us to be. Like the old Shaker hymn says, “Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free, tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.” We each one of us is called to fulfill a certain unique role that no one else can do, and it is by becoming the disciple Jesus created us to be that we best honor God in our life.
One thing is clear — God had a plan for John’s life, and God has a plan for our lives. There’s an Old Testament scripture from Isaiah that is often interpreted as referring to John the Baptist. Isaiah declares “The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.” (Isaiah 49:1) These words are meant for us as well.
So, what is John’s place? What are we to make of John the Baptist, and what lesson should we take for ourselves from his life?
I think one way we can be like John the Baptist is to highlight and encourage the work of our fellow church members, not only the younger ones, and that is important, but also those who may be older but stepping into new avenues of service. More and more of us are exploring ministry in all its forms — youth ministry, pastoral ministry, counseling, and in many other ways — at a later period in our lives. We are bringing the skills and experience we have garnered in other avenues of life into this call from God.
(Adapted from the author’s book No Room for the Inn, CSS 2022)
Frank R.
* * *
Matthew 3:13-17
The first inauguration of the president of the United States took place on April 30, 1789. That Inauguration Day began with the sounds of ceremonial artillery and church bells ringing across New York City, our nation’s first capital. At noon, George Washington made his way through large crowds to Federal Hall where both houses of Congress were assembled. On the second-floor balcony facing the street he was administered the oath of office by Robert R. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, and officially became the first president of the United States.
Since that time, the inauguration of the president is a huge event. Thousands of people gather and the nation watches while the world’s second-largest democracy starts an administration.
In a more powerful and much less visible way, Jesus’ ministry is inaugurated. John consents to baptize him. As he does, the heavens were opened, the Spirit descended like a dove and a voice spoke the words, “This is my son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” With that, Jesus began a ministry that led to a cross just outside of Jerusalem.
Bill T.
* * *
Matthew 3:13-17
Water is life giving. Most evolutionary theorists hypothesize that it was the source of life, that the first animals with backbones had an ancestor is fish-like creatures. It seems that in ancient oceans there were chemicals in the solution brought into complex organic molecules as a result of the energy from the sun. To this day, all living cells must contain water, as water accounts for between 65% to 90% of the body weight of all the earth’s plants and animals. How appropriate then that the Christian life begins with water/baptism.
Martin Luther wanted the faithful to realize that baptism is not just powerless water. To the faithful he once proclaimed:
Who would call the baptism of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit powerless water? Do we not see what seasoning God throws into the water?... So it has become a priceless sugar water, fragrant nectar and medicine because God has interposed himself. (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.21)
Modern American Lutheran theologian Robert Jenson spoke of the fresh start baptism provides. He put it this way, that “My baptism broke the bond of the past on the future.” (Christian Dogmatics, Vol.2, p.331). But Luther nicely described baptism how we should celebrate our own baptisms:
The gospel should instill such amazement in us that we too would exult and proudly assert” I have been baptized in Christ; there is no doubt that through the Lord Jesus, I became a lord and can overcome death and sin, and heaven and all creation must serve my best interests. (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.156)
Mark E.
