The Baptism of the Lord

Jesus’ baptism is attested in all four Gospels, with the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove as He emerges from the waters. This is reminiscent of the story of Noah, as the dove returns with an olive leaf as the flood waters recede, signifying a fresh start to creation. This points to an aspect of Jesus’ mission, as He renews creation, now not through the destruction of sinners, but by redeeming us in Himself.
     The location of the event is significant as well: the Jordan River, where John was baptizing, was the site of Israel’s entry into the land of Canaan, marking the end of the Exodus and the inheritance of the promised land. Here, however, rather than the river being parted as the people cross over on dry land (cf. Joshua 3), the heavens open, and we see the beginning of a New Exodus, wherein Jesus leads His people into the true heavenly homeland. 
     Another well-attested aspect of this event is the voice coming from the heavens: “This is my beloved Son”. While on the one hand it reveals something of the Holy Trinity, it also reminds us of the story of the Binding of Isaac. Jesus is revealed as a new Isaac, beloved of the Father, who will lay down His life willingly for our sake and become the source of blessing for all the nations (Genesis 22:18). 
     Matthew’s Gospel is unique in noting John’s hesitation to baptize Him. After all, he recognized that Jesus was sinless, and so had no need of a baptism of repentance. And yet our Lord insisted. Why? In the waters of baptism, Jesus took upon himself the sins of all those who came to John to repent. His baptism was an efficacious gesture of solidarity with sinners, and as He “fulfill[s] all righteousness”, He does so for our sake. 
     Some have speculated that this moment, which inaugurates Jesus’ public ministry, somehow marks a vocational experience, as He supposedly only then realizes His unique relationship with the Father. As Pope Benedict XVI notes in Jesus of Nazareth, however, there is no evidence of this found in the Scriptures. Rather, everything from the infancy narratives up until this point and beyond reveals “an intrinsic unity of the trajectory stretching from the first moment of his life to the Cross and the Resurrection” (p. 24). 
     However, when we are baptized, that marks our entry into Jesus’ life and relationship with the Father. Let’s remember our own baptism with awe and gratitude, and resolve anew to live well as a son or daughter of the Father in Christ Jesus.