To Be One of Them

This week we hear the story of Jesus being baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist, from the gospel of Luke. At the beginning of the passage Luke tells us the people were filled with anticipation. They were seeking, searching, longing for the Messiah, their saviour.

John in turn gives them hope in his witness of who is to come and what the Messiah will bring, for John understands his role and God's purpose for him. John intimates through his narrative that this coming Messiah will be judge and Saviour and will demand justice where there is none. Later when Jesus is baptized by John, he receives the Holy Spirit and God's approval, the prophesy is fulfilled and Jesus' ministry begins in earnest.