First impressions matter … whether first impressions of a future partner, parents-in-law, a new grandchild, a potential employer or a new social group. We want people to like us and to listen to us but still want to be ourselves. We fear being seen as ignorant or pushy … but we also don’t want to just fade into the background. In the gospel story about Jesus, first impressions also matter.

Jesus has been baptised by John and has survived a grueling and testing time in the wilderness, but we’re not too sure what this highly anticipated person will say or do when he has the chance. In chapter 4 of his Gospel, Luke gives us a first impression of the public ministry and mission of Jesus as he returns to his home town of Nazareth and goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath.

One poet describes the scene like this …
Jesus, a hometown boy made good.
Isn’t that Joseph’s son?
His ministry begins, with prophetic words.
Who is that man?
The message haunts … a painful challenge.
Is that really Joseph’s son?
Welcome wears thin.
He is dismissed, threatened with death.
Who is this man?

Indeed, who is this man Jesus?

These days, there are not nearly as many children in mainstream churches as there were during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. One of the consequences of this decline is that we witness far fewer baptisms. In some ways this is a blessing, for many parents only had their children ‘done’ because it was correct social etiquette to do so and not because of personal faith. In other ways, though, fewer baptisms means fewer opportunities to reflect on the meaning and significance of this important sacrament.

In each of the four Gospel accounts, the ministry of Jesus begins with his baptism by John. In each case we read that God’s Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at his baptism in the form of a dove. This experience changed Jesus and propelled him into his public ministry. It marked a significant turning point as Jesus moved from living in relative obscurity in Nazareth into the public spotlight. It was a turning point in his relationship with God and in the world.

At the very end of his ministry, after the resurrection, Jesus urged his followers to make disciples of all nations and to baptise them (Matt 28:19). The church’s practice of baptism stems from this command. As with Jesus, baptism marks a significant turning point for us, both in our relationship with God and in our ministry in the world. We may have known God from our birth, but in baptism we are named and claimed as God’s children. We are also given a distinct vocation, namely to be Christ’s visible presence in the world. These are great privileges that also come with responsibility.

As we reflect this week on the baptism of Jesus, may we reflect on our own journey of faith and marvel afresh at how God has called us and equipped us to be followers of the way of Jesus. May we remember our baptism and be thankful.