Pastor’s sermon is based on the Gospel reading of Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus, the Son of God, is baptized in the River Jordan by John who offers a water baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And just as Jesus comes up from the water, the Spirit of God descends like a dove and a voice from heaven speaks: “This is my Son, the Beloved,* with whom I am well pleased.” This is a great affirmation of who Jesus, the Son of God is, with all three members of the Holy Trinity present. As Jesus is baptized, God is also proclaiming Jesus to be God’s chosen means of restoring the world to right relationship. Through our own baptism, God claims us as His children and God chooses us all to work together toward the same end.
