The Jordan River is significant because it is the same river Joshua crossed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, symbolizing a new exodus. It is also the lowest spot on the planet, representing Jesus' humility.
Jesus' baptism signifies that believers are adopted as beloved sons and daughters of God, sharing in the nature of Jesus through God’s grace.
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness is a ritual kings were expected to undergo, demonstrating his authority and his role in battling the enemy on behalf of humanity.
The words 'You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased' affirm Jesus' identity and mission, and through baptism, these words are shared with believers as they are adopted into God’s family.
Jesus' time in the wilderness mirrors the Israelites' journey, but where they doubted and complained, Jesus trusts and obeys God, fulfilling the role of the new Moses who leads with faith and obedience.
Fr. Mike elaborates on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. He points out that the location of the Jordan River is particularly noteworthy because it's the same river that Joshua crossed over to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, signifying that Jesus will bring about a new exodus. Additionally, it's the lowest spot on the planet, symbolizing Jesus' humility. Finally, Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we are baptized, we are adopted as beloved sons and daughters of God because what belongs to Jesus by his nature is given to us by God’s grace. Today we read Luke 3-5 and Proverbs 25:27-28.
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