Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus.
In today’s gospel passage we hear from God the Father – “this is my beloved Son of whom I am well pleased” – speaking from the heavens immediately after Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17).
It struck me that it is an extremely rare instance that we hear from God the Father during the course of Jesus’ life and ministry. I believe there are only two other instances where the Father’s voice is heard. On the event of the transfiguration we hear “this is my Son, my chosen one, listen to him” (Luke 9:35). Some time later as Jesus readies himself for his final hours and his ultimate act of self-giving we hear Jesus pray “Father glorify thy name” (John 12:28) and the Father’s response “I have glorified it and will glorify it again” (John 12:29).
So I believe that there are only three instances that we hear the Father’s voice in the gospel accounts. Since it’s such a rare occurrence it might be good for us to reflect on this a bit.
I’ve always interpreted the Father’s pronouncement at the Baptism event as an affirmation of Jesus’ divinity and his mission – a pronouncement meant for those witnessing Jesus’ baptism and those of us who would hear of it later. But as I reflected on this scripture today, I was left wondering whether this pronouncement was also meant for Jesus himself – as a sort of affirmation and encouragement as Jesus was readying himself for his mission. Maybe this was meant to be the type of affirmation and encouragement that any son needs to hear and loves to hear from his father. So I’m beginning to think that maybe the Father’s pronouncement was for both of these reasons – for us and for Jesus.
So as we celebrate Jesus’ baptism and his willingness to immerse himself in our humanity so that we might share in his divinity, we can reflect on the Father’s words. We once again embrace Jesus as the “beloved Son” of the Father and our Lord and Savior. And we also know that we are beloved children of our Father – children who can go to the Father for the same affirmation and encouragement that Jesus received.
Jesus became one with us though his birth and baptism. Jesus restored our relationship with God through his death and resurrection. Through Jesus we can always approach the Father for the strength we need to continue our journey.