There are not as many books written about any man as about Jesus of Nazareth. His supporters and opponents write about him. Why ? Who is He for people looking for answers to life's questions and wanting solutions to their tormenting problems ?
God's revelation at Jordan
John the Baptist announced the imminent arrival of the expected Messiah. People used to come to him, to be baptized in Jordan as a sign of penance.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. But John was holding him back, saying : «I am the one who needs baptism from you, and you come to me ?»Jesus answered him : «Let me now, because that's the way it is right for us to fill everything, what's fair ». Then he yielded to him. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately came out of the water. And behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.. And a voice from heaven spoke : «This is my beloved Son, in which I like »" (Mt 3, 13-17). You will hear the above Gospel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, on Sunday after 6 January (year A). The evangelist teaches us, that in this episode Jesus of Nazareth revealed himself as the Messiah. The first man, who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, was John the Baptist. He put it in words : ,,I need baptism from you, and you come to me ?Jesus admitted, that he is the Messiah and that is why he replied : Let me now, because that's the way it is right for us to fill everything, what's fair ". This is how the evangelist pointed out, that since his baptism in Jordan, Jesus did God's will, which was the main task of the Messiah foretold by the prophets. Jesus accepts the baptism of repentance. Although there is no sin, but he stands among sinners, because he is the Mediator between God and men.
The evangelist explaining this event shows, that in the person of Jesus of Nazareth the messianic prophecies of Isaiah were fulfilled. The Spirit of God descending in the form of a dove reminds Jesus, that Jesus is full of God's Spirit, that will change the world. He is the beloved, only son, "Servant of God", who, by God's will, will initiate God's kingship on earth.
St.. John the Evangelist teaches, that Jesus would fulfill his mission by being baptized, when he dies on the cross. He says : “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world " (J 1, 29). In this way, he refers to another prophecy about the suffering Servant of Yahweh.
Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah
Jesus himself reminded the Israelites many times, that the prophets about the Messiah are being fulfilled in him. When he arrived at the synagogue in Nazareth, He was given the book of Isaiah's prophecies. "Having unfolded the book, hit the spot, where it was written : "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me and sent me, that I may bring good news to the poor, he preached freedom to prisoners, and the blind to see ; that I would send the oppressed free, that I may proclaim a year of grace from the Lord ». Rolling up the book, he handed it back to the attendant, and sat down ; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. So he began talking to them : «Today these words of Scripture have been fulfilled, who have heard »" (Luke 4, 17-21). With these words Jesus indicated, that he is a Servant of Yahweh, full of God's Spirit, the Messiah, who heralds the times of God's gifts and mercy. He began his activity by teaching people, searching for sinners, treating the sick, to comfort the afflicted.
Jesus rarely called himself the Messiah, and his disciples often used this title only after their resurrection. He became his second name. They said : Jesus the Messiah - in Greek : Jesus Christ. From the resurrection, Jesus - the Messiah, that is, Jesus Christ, he became the Ruler (Kyrios) the world, who reigns and rules by the power of the Holy Spirit, and not by force of arms.
How will I answer God ?
On Sunday after 6 January is the annual feast of the Baptism of the Lord, during which we experience the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. God calls us then, that we may join even more cooperation with Christ in the work of salvation. He began his messianic task by baptism in Jordan and by the anointing with the Holy Spirit. You were grafted into the work of salvation through baptism, in which you received the Holy Spirit. You will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation. Are you aware of your calling ?
How you cooperate with Christ in building God's Kingdom ? Do you serve others like Christ ?
■ Think :
1. Why Jesus received the baptism of repentance from John the Baptist ?
2. How Matthew presents the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ ?
3. Why did John the Baptist call Jesus "the Lamb of God" ?
4. What the event in the synagogue of Nazareth reveals to us ?
5. How Jesus fulfilled his messianic tasks ?
■ Remember:
4. What God Reveals Through Jesus' Baptism In Jordan ?
God reveals, that Jesus is the foretold Messiah.
5. Whom does the name "Christ" mean ?
The name "Christ" means the Messiah anointed with the Holy Spirit, King.
■ Task :
1. Read and compare the texts of Scripture. : Mt 3, 13-17 ; Mk 1, 9-11 ; Luke 3,21-22.
2. Think and write, how you can cooperate with Christ in his messianic tasks.
