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Coming out of the Christmas season, the scripture readings jump 33 years to when Jesus is an adult, and the first thing that happens is that he gets baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17).  John is a prophet sent to prepare the way for Jesus, for the “coming of the Messiah.”  John is a fiery preacher, not one to mince words, and his hearers respond to his calls for repentance.  Their response is to be baptized, washed in the river Jordan, confessing their sins, “coming clean” before God and God’s prophet.  Preparing their hearts and starting fresh for “what’s next”—namely Jesus coming into the world and revealing God through his teaching, ministry, and ultimately his death and resurrection. 

            Comparing the act of “coming clean”—baptism—to New Year’s resolutions might be a stretch, but it does seem that with the beginning of a new year people look back and reflect, take a little self-inventory, and “try to be better.”  That is very similar to “repentance.”  We all could use a little repentance (or a lot, depending on one’s circumstances…), and the spiritual act is to wash ourselves on the inside.  The physical ritual is baptism (a Greek word that simply means “to wash”).  I think most New Year’s resolutions come with an admission that “I need to do a better job at _____.”  That’s humbling.  I don’t think any of us like being humbled or having to embrace humility.  It looks too much like weakness, admitting that we’re wrong, or that others can make claims on us.  The world elevates and rewards strength.  And yet, humility is at the heart of Christ’s teaching, his ethics, his message.  He said if you want to be great in the kingdom of heaven then become a servant (Mark 9:33-37).

            Jesus doesn’t need to come clean in the way I described it or be baptized in the way John was doing it in the Judean wilderness.  John even says to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you!”  People entered the waters to be cleansed of shame and sin, and Jesus did not hold himself above them but joined them in this cleansing act of humility.  How different and beautiful that is.

Peace,

Pr. Christian