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Sunday 11 January 2026 Baptism of Christ
You Can’t Mean Me?
Isaiah 42:1–9; Acts 10:34–43; Matthew 3:13–17
Context: a Eucharistic service involving a diverse congregation, with a mixture of ages, near an urban area of deprivation
Aim: to highlight that to be Christ-like, we should show no partiality and do what is just
As Christians, we are called to follow Christ and to live as an example to those who are yet to know the unconditional love of God. It’s a big ask. For example, to love one another can be a challenge, especially when someone is not like us. And yet, Jesus spent time with those on the margins of society. His disciples learned that all deserve forgiveness, healing, and love. My own calling was affected by unconscious bias, that human concept of seeking to be with people with whom we feel comfortable, people who look and speak like us, those in similar positions, and those with authority. Others are marginalised, with preconceived ideas creating barriers to them achieving their best. This can lead to a lack of self-worth. My response to ‘I think maybe you are being called’ was ‘you can’t mean me!’ The baptism of Jesus always reminds me of this. John said: ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’ (Matthew 13:14).
Jesus explains that it is the right thing to do as it fulfils God’s expectations. Jesus is both divine and human, so although without sin, he identifies with the human need for righteousness. This public baptism also endorses John’s authority to baptise others. Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his teaching and his ministry. He reached out to all and invited everyone to follow him, regardless of their ethnicity or social background. He commands us to do the same: ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). This inclusive ministry teaches us that all are welcome to become members of the Body of Christ. It is an open and universal invitation.
JUSTICE
The theme of justice features prominently throughout the readings. My working life has always involved social justice. I blame my parents (smile). They prepared us for the fact that we would face inequalities and injustice. They taught us to be forgiving, challenge constructively, and remember that people can be better off, but not better than. We were also taught to count our blessings, rather than complain that people called us names. In my teenage years, it was good to read that Peter told the Gentiles, ‘that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him’ (Acts 10:34-35).
I learned in adulthood that it is not unusual for those who are oppressed to seek to belong to a faith community, and yet, many feel unwelcome and rejected. We need to be aware that oppression comes in many forms. Baptism calls us to a new life of service to God and others. The prophet Isaiah describes Jesus as the suffering servant who will bring justice to the nations. As Christians, our mission includes transforming unjust structures of society. Therefore, we too must serve with love and compassion, stepping outside our comfort zones, as we strive to do God’s will. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can all be moved to embrace those who are not like us.
CALLED AS WE ARE
Since we are called as we are, we don’t have to be anyone other than ourselves to become part of the Body of Christ. We are invited as guests, and there is plenty of room for us all. Just as during the baptism of Jesus, God declared him as his beloved son, so we become God’s beloved children through baptism. The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus during his baptism, symbolising the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives as a guide. Despite being without sin, Jesus demonstrated the importance of obedience to God by asking John to baptise him.
As members baptised into the Body of Christ, we are called to be obedient, living in harmony, caring for each other as Christ cares for us. Although we are unique, each with our own gifts, Paul teaches us that together we form a living expression of God’s love and grace. We should therefore see our differences not as barriers, but strengths that enrich the Church. I look forward to the day when I never again have to say ‘the same God that called you, called me.’ Amen.
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