Beloved: Named, Claimed, and sent

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

There are moments in life when everything changes—not because something dramatic happens on the outside, but because something is spoken that reshapes who we know ourselves to be.

A word of love. A word of belonging. A word of purpose.

Today’s scriptures bring us to one of those moments.

Jesus has not preached a sermon. He has not healed the sick. He has not called disciples or confronted authorities.

Instead, He stands in line—quietly, humbly—waiting to be baptized.

And it is there, in the ordinary waters of the Jordan, that heaven opens.

1. Jesus Stands Where We Stand

Matthew tells us that Jesus comes to John—not above him, not apart from him, but among the people.

John is confused. “This shouldn’t be,” he says. “I need to be baptized by you.”

But Jesus insists.

Why?

Because from the very beginning, Jesus chooses solidarity over separation.

He steps into the waters where sinners stand. He joins humanity not at its best, but at its most honest.

This is important.

Jesus does not begin His ministry with power, spectacle, or distance. He begins by standing with us.

That alone is good news.

2. Baptism Is About Identity Before Activity

When Jesus comes up from the water, everything happens at once.

The heavens open. The Spirit descends like a dove. And a voice speaks:

“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Before Jesus does anything— before teaching, healing, or sacrifice— He is named.

Beloved. Claimed. Delighted in.

This is the heart of baptism.

Baptism is not first about what we promise God. It is about what God declares over us.

Before we act, God speaks. Before we serve, God names. Before we strive, God claims.

And that word is not conditional.

Beloved.

3. The Voice We All Long to Hear

Many of us live our lives driven by voices that say:

Do more.

Be better.

Prove

Called to Participate: Discipleship in Justice, Mercy, and Mission

Bible Passage: Isaiah 42:1–9, Matthew 3:13–17

Summary: These passages highlight God's servant, filled with the Spirit, who champions justice and mercy. Both Scripture pieces remind us of our calling as disciples in the mission of bringing justice and hope to a broken world.

Application: By understanding our role as participants in God's mission, we can actively engage in the struggles of injustice and demonstrate God's love through acts of mercy. This message encourages believers to embody Christ's character in their daily lives, impacting their communities.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that discipleship involves active participation in justice and mercy, calling us to reflect Christ's image as we serve others. It emphasizes that true discipleship manifests in tangible actions that resonate with God's mission in the world.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ is the ultimate Servant of God who embodies justice and mercy in His life and ministry. His baptism signifies the beginning of His mission, and through Him, we are empowered to engage in the same transformative work.

Big Idea: Participating in God's mission means embodying justice and mercy, reflecting the character of Christ as His disciples in the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider exploring the historical and cultural context of Isaiah 42, especially regarding its prophetic call to justice. In Logos, you might look into commentaries that focus on the theme of the servant songs in Isaiah and how they connect to the Messianic identity in Matthew. Pay special attention to the implications of Jesus' baptism in terms of mission and discipleship, as this can deepen your understanding of our call to justice and mercy.

1. Chosen for Justice

Isaiah 42:1–4

Perhaps you could explore how God introduces His servant as chosen and delighted in, tasked with establishing justice on earth. This passage sets the tone for understanding our mission; we are not alone in this calling, as God empowers us through the Spirit. Highlight how justice isn't just a concept but a divine mandate carried out by God's servant, culminating in Christ, who empowers us to follow His example.

2. Covenant of Mercy

Isaiah 42:5–9

You could delve into the covenant promise that God establishes with His people, reassuring them of His support in upholding justice. Emphasize God's creative power and His continuous involvement in renewing the earth, calling His disciples to participate in His redemptive work. Encourage the congregation to see themselves as reflectors of godly mercy, illuminating lives with hope and purpose, just as Christ's life reveals God's light to the nations.

3. Humble Participation

Matthew 3:13–15

Perhaps reflect on the humility and obedience demonstrated by Christ as He approaches John for baptism, illustrating the beginning of His public ministry. This baptism wasn't due to His need but to fulfill righteousness, modeling the way we should embrace our roles in God's mission. It highlights our call to submit to God's plan, bringing justice through humility and a willingness to participate in His purpose.

4. Empowered by Love

Matthew 3:16–17

Maybe focus on the moment of divine affirmation as Jesus emerges from the waters, God's Spirit descends, and His voice declares love and delight in His Son. This passage is pivotal for understanding our identity as God's beloved, empowered by the Spirit to embark on our mission. Emphasize that through Christ, we receive the Spirit's anointing to extend justice and mercy, being assured that we are cherished participants in His greater narrative.

yourself.

We measure worth by productivity, success, or approval.

But at the Jordan River, God offers a different voice.

Not “You’ve earned this.” Not “You’ve done enough.” But “You are my beloved.”

This is the voice that grounds us when everything else feels uncertain.

Baptism reminds us that our identity does not come from what we accomplish—but from whom we belong to.

4. Isaiah’s Servant and Christ’s Mission

Isaiah gives us language for what this beloved Son will do:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.”

Notice the echo.

The same delight spoken at the Jordan is spoken through the prophet.

And what is the servant sent to do?

Not to crush. Not to dominate. Not to shout over others.

Instead:

to bring justice gently

to lift the bruised

to be a light to the nations

This is the mission Jesus receives—not after proving Himself, but immediately after being named Beloved.

And it is the same pattern God uses with us.

5. Remembering Our Own Baptism

Even on a Sunday without baptism, this day invites remembrance.

We remember that we, too, have been named. That we, too, have been claimed. That we, too, are sent.

Baptism is not a moment we outgrow. It is a truth we return to again and again.

When we forget who we are, when fear or failure tries to define us, when the road ahead feels uncertain—

we return to the waters.

And we hear the voice again:

You are mine. You are beloved. You are sent.

Conclusion

The Baptism of the Lord reminds us that God does not wait for perfection.

God names us first. God claims us fully. God sends us faithfully.

So wherever you go this week, carry this truth with you:

You are God’s beloved. And that changes everything.

Amen.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

There are moments in life when everything changes—not because something dramatic happens on the outside, but because something is spoken that reshapes who we know ourselves to be.

Think of Peter, who was just a fisherman until Jesus called him 'the rock.' That moment transformed his life and perspective. It's not about where we start but how we respond to the words that give us new identities. We too are called to be more than our past; we are reshaped by God's voice in our lives. (Repeat the sentence below again)

There are moments in life when everything changes—not because something dramatic happens on the outside, but because something is spoken that reshapes who we know ourselves to be.

A word of love. A word of belonging. A word of purpose.

Today’s scriptures bring us to one of those moments.

Jesus has not preached a sermon. He has not healed the sick. He has not called disciples or confronted authorities.

Instead, He stands in line—quietly, humbly—waiting to be baptized.

And it is there, in the ordinary waters of the Jordan River, that heaven opens.

1. Jesus Stands Where We Stand

Matthew tells us that Jesus comes to John—not above him, not apart from him, but among the people.

John is confused. “This shouldn’t be,” he says. “I need to be baptized by you.”

But Jesus insists.

Why?

Because from the very beginning, Jesus chooses solidarity over separation.

He steps into the waters where sinners stand. He joins humanity not at its best, but at its most honest.

This matters.

Jesus does not begin His ministry with power, spectacle, or distance. He begins by standing with us.

Picture a warm, cozy campfire where friends gather to share stories and roast marshmallows, rather than a big concert with dazzling lights. Jesus invites us to join Him around this simple fire, illustrating how ministry begins not with spectacle but with the warmth of relationship. He stands among us, making the extraordinary accessible and reminding us that His presence is the highlight of our gatherings.

That alone is good news.

Before Jesus changes the world, He enters it fully—its mess, its repentance, its need for grace. And in doing so, He shows us what faithful discipleship looks like: presence, humility, and participation.

2. Baptism Is About Identity Before Activity

When Jesus comes up from the water, everything happens at once.

The heavens open. The Spirit descends like a dove. And a voice speaks:

“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Before Jesus does anything— before teaching, healing, or sacrifice— He is named.

Beloved. Claimed. Delighted in.

Think about a superhero like Spider-Man. Before he swings into action and saves the day, he always announces himself—'With great power comes great responsibility.' Similarly, Jesus is named before He shows His power on earth, reminding us that His identity matters even more than the miracles He performs.

This is the heart of baptism.

Baptism is not first about what we promise God. It is about what God declares over us.

Before we act, God speaks. Before we serve, God names. Before we strive, God claims.

And that word is not conditional.

Beloved.

3. The Voice We All Long to Hear

Many of us live our lives driven by voices that say:

Do more. Be better. Prove yourself.

We measure our worth by productivity, success, approval, and performance.

Imagine a hamster on a wheel, running endlessly. It thinks it’s getting somewhere, but in reality, it’s just going in circles. We often do the same, driven by the voices that tell us to achieve more without realizing we're already loved and valued just as we are. Jesus says, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28).

But at the Jordan River, God offers a different voice.

Not “You’ve earned this.” Not “You’ve done enough.” But “You are my beloved.”

This is the voice that grounds us when everything else feels uncertain.

Baptism reminds us that our identity does not come from what we accomplish—but from whom we belong to.

And when we know who we are, we can finally understand what we are called to do.

4. Isaiah’s Servant and Christ’s Mission

Isaiah gives us language for what this Beloved Son is sent to do:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.”

Do you hear the echo?

Imagine a parent watching their child perform in a school play. With pride, they lean forward, taking pictures and smiling at every line spoken. This is similar to how God feels about His Son, whom He delights in. Just as we cheer for our loved ones, God applauds His Servant. In our own lives, we too have the opportunity to delight God by embracing our roles with joy and sincerity.

Have you ever been part of a team where someone just shines? Everyone notices the way they encourage, uplift, and accomplish great things. This is like God’s chosen servant. Jesus was not just a leader; he was the embodiment of delight, love, and service. When we embrace this role in our own lives, supporting others in love and humility, we reflect that same joy.

The same delight spoken at the Jordan is spoken through the prophet.

And what is this servant called to do?

Not to crush. Not to dominate. Not to shout over others.

Instead:

to bring justice gently

to lift the bruised

to be a light to the nations

This is not justice that shouts. It is justice that restores.

This is not mercy that ignores truth. It is mercy that heals what has been broken.

In my own life, I remember when I was a youth volunteer at a local shelter. Instead of imposing my ideas or expectations, I learned to listen and encourage those we served. It was through kindness and compassion that we made a lasting impact. Just as Christ showed us, our role is to uplift others gently, bringing justice not through force, but through love and support.

Isaiah reminds us that God’s servant does not impose righteousness by force but embodies it through faithfulness, compassion, and perseverance.

And this mission is given to Jesus immediately after He is named Beloved—not after He proves Himself.

That pattern matters.

5. Called to Participate: Discipleship in Justice and Mercy

Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of His public mission.

Filled with the Spirit, affirmed by love, He is sent into the world to embody justice, mercy, and hope.

And through Him, we are called into that same mission.

Discipleship is not passive belief. It is active participation.

Think of the moment when a young athlete steps onto the field for the first time, ready to play the big game. They’ve practiced, and now it’s their time to shine! Jesus’ baptism was like stepping into that field—filled with the Spirit and ready to embody justice and love. We, too, are called to step onto the field of our faith, where our active participation matters more than passive sidelines of belief.

To follow Christ is to reflect His character:

standing with those who are hurting

speaking hope into broken places

practicing mercy in a harsh world

working for justice with humility and faith

We do not do this alone. We do it empowered by the same Spirit who descended at the Jordan.

We are not asked to save the world. We are asked to participate in what God is already doing.

6. Remembering Our Own Baptism

Even on a Sunday without baptism, this day invites remembrance.

We remember that we, too, have been named. That we, too, have been claimed. That we, too, have been sent.

Baptism is not a moment we outgrow. It is a truth we return to again and again.

When we forget who we are… when fear or failure tries to define us… when the road ahead feels uncertain…

we return to the waters.

And we hear the voice again:

You are mine. You are beloved. You are sent.

In your family life, you may struggle with anger or frustration when things don't go as planned. Living out your baptism means embracing the grace you've received and extending that same grace to your family members. This week, when you feel that anger bubbling up, take a moment to pray and remember your commitment to love and serve your family as Christ does. Instead of reacting harshly, choose to respond with patience and understanding. Consider having a family discussion about how your baptism calls you to treat one another with kindness and respect.

At school, you might feel the pressure to fit in or participate in activities that go against your faith. Living out your baptism can serve as a guide in navigating these challenges. This week, choose one situation where you normally feel uncomfortable standing up for your beliefs—like in conversations about morality or ethics. Practice how you can express your views with love and confidence. Join or start a faith group where you can find support among your peers, reminding each other of your baptismal call to be salt and light in your school.

In your workplace, you might encounter situations where honesty is compromised for personal gain. Living out your baptism means being a beacon of integrity. This week, if you face a dilemma where you’re tempted to cut corners or lie for an advantage, take a moment to remember your identity as a baptized believer. Choose to uphold honesty, even if it costs you something. Share your commitment with a trusted colleague and hold each other accountable. By being a model of Christ-like character, you can inspire others and create a more ethical work environment.

In public life, especially on social media, you may struggle with the pressure to conform and express views that may not align with your Christian values. Living out your baptism means standing firm in your beliefs and values. This week, aim to post or share something positive and uplifting that reflects your faith instead of contributing to negativity or conflict. Engage discussions with empathy and respect, and consider how your words can either draw people to Christ or push them away. Remember, your online presence can be a testament to your identity as a baptized follower of Jesus.

In your church community, you might find it easy to become a passive observer rather than an active participant in the life of the body. Living out your baptism means engaging with your church family. This week, identify one area in your church, like volunteering for a ministry or leading a small group, where you can contribute your gifts. Reach out to a church leader to discuss how you can serve. Remember, your baptism calls you to be part of the community, using your God-given talents to build up the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The Baptism of the Lord reminds us that God does not wait for perfection.

God names us first. God claims us fully. God sends us faithfully.

So wherever you go this week— into your work, your relationships, your community— carry this truth with you:

How does understanding Jesus' baptism as an act of solidarity affect your view of His ministry?

In what ways do you feel God has named and claimed you as His beloved?

How can you remind yourself of your identity as God's beloved in difficult situations?

What does it mean for you personally to be a part of God's mission of justice and mercy?

How can your own baptism inform the way you engage with others in your daily life?

Can you recall a time when a word or affirmation changed your perception of yourself? How did that impact you?

How can you live out the truth that you are beloved, especially in school or social situations?

What are some practical ways you can embody justice and mercy in your friendships?

How can you support others around you who might struggle with their identity?

In what ways can you participate in your church community to reflect your baptismal call?

And that changes everything.

Amen.