Water is symbolic. In my mind it conjures images of tranquility, refreshment, coolness, and cleansing. After a day of gardening, I am happy to wash the grime from my hands. In a year of COVID we have learned that extensive hand washing can help prevent germ attachment and offer protection. Washing away sins in baptism is a beautiful act of love and forgiveness. God’s mercy and grace swirls around us like a tidal pool. Bathe yourself in God’s love.
Enjoy this brief excerpt from Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children as well as my reflection and scripture reference.
Jesus, dressed in white, is holding the arm of John the Baptist whose other arm is stretched upward as words of baptism are proclaimed in the River Jordan.
Honey and Locusts
Honey and locusts
a man many fear
shouting redemption
for all to hear.
John the Baptist
with tangled hair
is a sight to see
like a wet bear.
He dips the believers
River Jordan is cold.
They shout “Halleluiah!
I’m saved now behold!”
Along comes a stranger
who is sinless by name.
Christ has arrived
to be baptized the same.
God’s approval echoes
thunderous words are said.
Suddenly, a dove appears
water covers Jesus’ head.
A divine moment
captured hearts
a humble beginning
an electric start.
If you enjoyed this poem click on the books link within this website for easy access to purchasing Sharing Stories of Jesus with Children. God Bless You.
Reflection:
Have you ever encountered a gruff looking person yelling from a street corner words of condemnation if you didn’t repent? This happened to us a year ago as we walked to a hockey event and it prompted the discussion concerning the effectiveness of this approach. How would you respond? Would you look or walk away? Would you be mesmerized by the message or feel guilty enough to follow his command?
I’m not sure how I would have reacted to this wild man John who ate locusts and honey for sustenance. However, God placed him in the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus. Repentance is a necessary step to be born again. With Baptism the feeling of immersion into the water and breaking free (from sin) is a cleansing experience and one Jesus chose to do before he entered the desert.
Water is symbolic. In my mind it conjures images of tranquility, refreshment, coolness, and cleansing. After a day of gardening, I am happy to wash the grime from my hands. In a year of COVID we have learned that extensive hand washing can help prevent germ attachment and offer protection. Washing away sins in baptism is a beautiful act of love and forgiveness. God’s mercy and grace swirls around us like a tidal pool. Bathe yourself in God’s love.
Why does Jesus need to be baptized? He is without sin. I have always wondered about this until a recent sermon made it clear. When Jesus made his earthly appearance, he underwent all the physical and emotional experiences of mankind. In solidarity he enters the waters of the Jordan River. Unlike others he did not have sins to confess but allows John to complete the ritual. As he exits the water, he begins his mission of salvation and publicly declares his unity with God who praises him as the heavens part.
Matthew 3:1-16
3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”[a]
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
11 “I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, 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, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”