Scripture Reflection, January 11, 2026, The Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17

Today’s first reading, from Isaiah, Chapter 42, is the first of four passages in Isaiah that are referred to as Servant Songs. For us, as Christians, these are very important passages. They foretell of one to come - not as an earthly king, but as a servant - who will “bring forth justice to the nations” and establish a new covenant between God and humankind.

We understand this special servant to be none other than Jesus Christ. He fulfills the prophecy foretold by Isaiah and reinforces the strong connection between the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Christian Scriptures (New Testament).

This “Servant Song” is appropriately paired with today’s gospel reading from Matthew, where Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. The fact that Jesus seeks baptism from John is a very significant detail in the process of fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, as it represents Jesus' acceptance of his mission from the Father.

Jesus chooses this occasion of public display of his baptism in the river Jordan to demonstrate his commitment and desire to fulfill the role the Father has chosen for him. In doing so, Jesus becomes a model for all of us to follow.

Note that John does not want to baptize Jesus. John feels that Jesus should be baptizing him! But Jesus sees this event as a powerful beginning; not only a beginning of his own ministry, but the establishment of what we now call the Sacrament of Baptism. Just as he was called by the Father to minister to others, so we too are called - by virtue of our baptism - to serve others. We are part of a select community of missionary disciples.

Our second reading today - from Acts of the Apostles - affirms the notion that Christ came for all the nations, for all people. As Christ’s disciples we are commissioned to be servants of all.

Through the centuries, Christians of various nationalities have celebrated the day of a person’s baptism in a similar way that they celebrate that person’s birth. This is done in order to emphasize the significance of baptism; to reinforce the importance of being called to live a life of faith in God, hope from God, and love for God, and for all of God’s creation.

We have been anointed and commissioned as servants! How do we serve? Well, that is for us to determine, through prayer and reflection on God’s word.

by Bill Miller