Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus Baptized
TEXT:
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus Baptized
13-14 Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!”
15 But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it.
16-17 The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”
REFLECTIONS:
In a world addicted to taking, Jesus’ baptism offers a new shape for our imagination of the Divine.
Away from the center of social and political power, in a river on the outskirts of town, the scene provides a demonstration of self-giving love. A Son deferring to the Father, giving over his life-mission. The Father, giving the Spirit and a declaration of love.
At Church at the Park, we’re convinced our humanity is designed according to this shape. The first thing given to us is Love. And the invitation is to give ourselves back in Love, to the World, to the Divine, to all of Creation, and even to Ourselves.
May we experience the abundance waiting for us.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Help one person each day succeed at a task they need to accomplish.
Pathways Toward Centeredness
Intellection (Loving the World through our mind):
Do you know anyone searching for wisdom? If you have some to offer, ask that person if your advice would be helpful!
Questions for Relection
Can you think of a singular moment in which you knew you were so loved by the people around you? What allowed you to recognize that love? If you could hear the voice of God affirm you, what do you wish to hear?
You’re Invited!
One of our community practices is to gather every Sunday morning for prayer, friendship, and conversation about the week’s Scripture text. Doors open at 10:30am for coffee and donuts. Our circle begins at 11:00am. We’d love to see you there! The Open Table (@ The old DMV) 2640 N Portland Rd Salem, OR 97301
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.