Archive for January, 2026

Was Jesus’ Baptism a Mistake

The Question of Propriety

When Jesus came to be baptized, John was taken aback and expressed a natural hesitance. “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” he asked.

From John’s perspective, and perhaps from ours as well, baptism was for the cleansing of sins. So why would Jesus, who was without sin, need to participate in this sacrament?

Fulfilling All Righteousness

Jesus’ response is insightful.

He told John, “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Here, righteousness is not only a matter of morality but also doing what is proper. So, in keeping with what was proper, both Jesus and John understood the importance of this event. It was not about acknowledging sin, but about fulfilling a divine purpose.

Many parents bring their children for baptism because it feels like the proper thing to do. It’s what tradition teaches us, and perhaps in that sense, Jesus’ baptism set an example. Whatever the motive, God often uses such events in profound ways, highlighting the sacred nature of sacraments.

Baptism as Epiphany

In reflecting on Jesus’ baptism, I find it enlightening to view it as an epiphany. An epiphany reveals, making known the meaning and purpose behind an event. Through His baptism, we come to understand more deeply who Jesus is and what He is called to do. Likewise, it reminds us of who we are and our calling.

Visually, medieval art depicts Jesus’ baptism with vivid imagery—a cloak of water, a descending dove, and a celestial halo. These symbols tell us much about Jesus’ divinity, especially when combined with God’s proclamation, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” These words from the Gospel point us back to the prophecy from Isaiah, emphasizing Jesus as the Son, servant, and chosen one.

Our Calling as Baptized Christians

Drawing from these scriptural and historical insights, our own baptisms take on new significance. Baptism is described as an ordination, a commissioning of sorts. We are not merely participants in a ritual; we are ordained to serve as sons and daughters, as servants and chosen ones, reflecting Christ’s mission in the world.

I believe it’s a common misconception to reserve the term “ordained” for bishops, priests, and deacons alone. However, baptism ordains each of us to be ministers, called to bear witness, carry out acts of service, and represent the Church. Jesus’ life exemplified this through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice.

Justice and Servanthood

In serving, justice as described in Isaiah is of paramount importance—not the justice of human rights as we understand today, but a justice that teaches reverence for God. As Jesus’ followers, we are tasked with making God’s lordship known, serving without proclamation, just as Jesus did good throughout His ministry.

Jesus’ own baptism was a moment when God called and commissioned Him for His earthly mission. Similarly, in our baptisms, God commissions us to represent Christ, striving to reconcile the world with the love of God.

In conclusion, Jesus’ baptism was far from a mistake. It serves as an epiphany, a continuous revelation paving the way for us to walk as His beloved children and faithful servants. Thanks be to God for this incredible gift of baptismal life.

Why ‘King of Kings’ misses the Point

The reach of the gospel and the significance of Christ excludes no one.

Reflecting on the story of the Apostle Paul, who declared Jesus Christ as Lord of all upon witnessing a vision of clean and unclean animals, we see a powerful illustration of the all-encompassing nature of redeeming love.

‘King of Kings’ no longer works

While the New Testament concludes with a triumphant vision of Jesus as the glorified King of Kings and Lord of Lords, I can’t help but feel that the title ‘King of Kings’, as used by the Wise Men, might not do justice to the true scope of Christ’s kingship. Jesus is more than the King of the Jews; He is the King of all nations.

The Wise Men, gentiles from Eastern lands, were the first to acknowledge this truth and offer homage to Him—a gesture that has been repeated by multitudes across the world, including myself today.

What “Kingship” means today

In today’s democratic world, where monarchy is scarce and often unwelcome, the concept of kingship might seem outdated. Some may even feel troubled by describing Christ as King. We have witnessed protests, even in countries to our south, rejecting the notion of kingship.

This concern, however, stems from a misunderstanding. The complaints are aimed at the wrong kind of king— one who embodies dictatorship, rather than the benevolent reign of Christ.

Revisiting Christmas Carols

In 1925, the Feast of Christ the King was established, evolving into the acknowledgment of Christ’s reign. During this transition, some proposed revisions to familiar Christmas carols to align with modern sensitivities, substituting words like ‘King’, ‘Man’, ‘Son’, ‘Virgin’, and ‘Lord’ with more politically correct alternatives.

For instance, in “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, the phrase “glory to the Newborn King” has been adapted to “glory to the Christ child”.

Similarly, in “Joy to the World”, the line “the Lord is come, let earth receive her King” was changed to “peace shall come”, which honestly strikes me as laughable, were it not so insensitive.

This change risks overshadowing Christ’s humanity with His kingship, leading to a superficial understanding of Jesus as merely a divine figure in disguise. Yet, the church teaches that Jesus Christ was both fully man and fully God.

Embracing Christ’s Humanity

God’s divine love was demonstrated through Christ’s acceptance of our humanity. Jesus was not an ideal, textbook human but a Galilee carpenter and freelance rabbi, navigating life step by step and relying on His Father’s guidance— yet, always without faltering.

What often remains underemphasized is the social aspect of Christ’s humanity. To be truly human is to need others.

Like us, Jesus was shaped by His relationships—His mother Mary, His earthly father Joseph, the village rabbi, His disciples, and the poor He served. Had they been different people, Jesus would have been a different person too.

To exist as a man, He had to become one with them, and to continue as a man, He remains connected with them.

Unity in Christ

In Jesus, the life of God became incarnate and expanded into a complex web of personal relationships centered around Him.

Heaven, I believe, must be a state free of the barriers between human beings. It is where Christ becomes Himself by embracing us, and we become our true selves by embracing Him.

Thanks be to God, for His love knows no limits and reaches beyond titles and traditions to touch the heart of every individual.