“And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’”
– Matthew 3:16-17 (NRSVue)
Activity
In Matthew’s story of the baptism of Jesus, several symbols and meanings of baptism meet and enhance each other. In Jesus’ ritual immersion in water, spiritual cleansing met divine blessing, a commitment to his faith led to the revelation of his true identity. The dove adds a symbol also meaning peace.
If you have experienced baptism, what does it mean to you?
If you have not been baptized, what in your life has been an equivalent experience?