Baptism is far more than a ceremony.
After inscribing endless echoes of the Exodus in chapters 1-3, Matthew began shading in some colors of creation. We’re meant to see some glimpses of the beginning: 1) The unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 2) The heavens and the untamed waters of Earth. 3) The Spirit hovering and bringing order over the chaos. Matthew painted a picture that frames the baptism of Jesus as a ceremony commissioning a new creation!
Baptism is far more than a ceremony. It’s an outward and communal declaration identifying us as co-participants in all Jesus’ baptism meant, by grace activated through faith in God’s kingdom story!
