back to Sermons Archive

January 14, 2007
Scripture: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
Title: “Baptism by Water and by the Spirit”

Baptism. It is one of the sacraments of the church that always seems to have this mysterious air surrounding it. It is performed in many different ways in many different traditions. Some traditions practice infant sprinkling. Some traditions practice immersion. But no matter how it is performed, it is always celebrated as a milestone in one’s faith journey.

I remember parts of my baptism. It happened on a Pentecost Sunday. I was in a group of about 6 or 7 youth getting baptized that day. We had been shown the baptismal earlier in the week while we were in Pastor’s class. It looked so big when it was empty but now when I was standing at the steps to be led in, it seemed so small. There was no room. The minister was standing in the middle of the pool and motioning me down into the water.

And then my mind goes blank.

I don’t remember being taken down under the water. I don’t remember coming up out of the water. The next thing I remember is that my mother was waiting for me at the top of the steps and she kept saying that we had to hurry. I had to change clothes and dry my hair so that I would be ready to take communion for the first time.

I remember parts of my day of baptism. I remember the hair dryer. I remember being rushed. I remember my mom worrying if I would make it to the communion kneeler in time to take my first communion to with everyone.

I remember the small details of that day, but I don’t remember my baptism. I know it happened. I remember being dry. Then I remember being wet. However, the actual act of going down in the water. I am drawing a blank.

I know I was baptized. I got the certificate that says that I was, but I don’t remember the act. I remember what came after the act. I do remember being filled with wonder and awe as I took part of the bread. I remember feeling privileged because I had my very own special communion cup made from olive wood for my first communion.

I know I was baptized. People gave me hugs and congratulated me. What I remember most of that day is what happened after my baptism.

Not the act, but what happened after the baptism.

For the author of Luke, it is a similar scenario when he is describing the baptism of Jesus. There are very few details of the actual baptism but we as readers know what happens after the baptism.

All four gospels mention the baptism in some form or another. For the authors of Mark and Matthew, Jesus’ baptism was a defining moment in his ministry. They have the greatest detail about the event. In John, the baptism is hinted at through the testimony of John the Baptist.

In the Gospel of Luke, the account of Jesus’ baptism follows a speech from John the Baptist. This speech reminds the readers of the prophecy that was made to Zechariah and Elizabeth by the angel about who John was going to be when he grew up. John’ purpose was to point to the true Messiah and prepare the way for this true Messiah. He was to remind the people of their covenant with God. He was to show them that God was still working in their lives. He was to show the people the true Son of God.
So the author of Luke uses the same themes that have going since the beginning of the Gospel of Luke and from the birth narratives. One is pointing the way. He is not Messiah. He is preparing their hearts and reminding them of God’s promise of a new way, a new creation. And one is the promised one. One is the one who will share the Holy Spirit with all and teach, preach and heal all of God’s children.

And then we learn of the baptism of Jesus. For the author of Luke, the act of baptism is not what is important. We as readers get very few details. No mention of the river Jordan. No mention of John the Baptist actually baptizing Jesus. No mention of this intimate event between only Jesus and John the Baptist.

In Luke’s account of this story, there is a crowd and the crowd was be baptized. And oh yea. Jesus was there and he was baptized too.

What matters most for the author of Luke is what happens after the baptism. Jesus prayed. The Holy Spirit descended upon him. And a voice came that said you are my Son, the Beloved.

Not the act but what comes after the baptism.

This past week, I was preparing for Pastor’s Class and trying to find a curriculum that has all the answers. I looked through books. I looked at other denominations’ resources to see how they prepared people for baptism. I looked through the Disciples resources and I thought okay, we can do this. I’ll take a little bit from here. I’ll take a little bit from this resource. This will work.
I was feeling pretty confident about this Pastor’s class. Until I reminded of the true purpose of it all. One of youths came to see me and had a few questions about this Pastor’s class and what all we were going to be doing in this class. Well, I thought, I have my answers. Well, we are going to talk a little bit about Disciples history. We are going to talk about communion. We are going to talk about the Bible. And we will talk about baptism. And if you are ready after this class, you can decide to be baptized.

This youth gave me that look. I thought Oh no. What did I say? So I continued and said well, this is just a beginning of it. You will have elders who will work with you during Pastor’s class and help you out with your questions.
And the youth continued to give me that look. I just wasn’t sure what was going to be said.

And he said, I like Phil. He is a funny guy.

And then it hit me. This youth was right. We are just beginning our preparation. And through our baptism, we make a covenant with God to continue our preparation and our journey. And there will be people along the journey who will be there for us, guiding us, and yes, being that funny guy or gal.

This youth reminded me that we are all on this journey together and what matters is what happens when we emerge from that water. What matters is what happens after our baptism. Are we living out our call to be God’s people? Are we sustaining our spirits through prayer? Are we surrounded by people who are supporting us, loving us, and reminding us of how proud we are of each other on this journey?

Because that is what matters for the author of Luke. Jesus was baptized and then he began to pray. And then suddenly the Holy Spirit was there, guiding him, inspiring him, bring him new life. And voice, supporting, praising, and loving.

In just a few moments, you will be invited to come forward and remember your baptism. Remember the details of that day. Remember emerging from that water. And to remember what happened after your baptism.
Remember your call as one of God’s children to bring hope and grace to all that are hurting. Remember you call as one of God’s servants to support those around you on their journey. Remember your call to pray for one another and to pray to nourish your spirit. Remember that you are blessed through the Holy Spirit to renew, to refresh, to inspire those around you.

May we always remember the covenant of our baptism. Amen.

Rev. Heather McColl
Midway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

back to Sermons Archive