Psalm 29 / Matthew 3:13-17

As we continue to follow the Revised Common Lectionary used by Catholic and Protestant churches, we come to Baptism of the Lord Sunday, when our readings are Psalm 29 and Matthew 3:13-17.

Read Psalm 29 as a hymn celebrating God’s power and sovereignty. Notice how prominently images of water appear, harkening all the way back to Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit brooded over “the waters”.

It helps to read all of Matthew 3 in order to situate the baptism of Jesus in John the Baptist’s wider ministry.

Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

What do you suppose Jesus meant, that John had to baptize him “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15)?

Contemplate the truth that the same “Spirit of God” (Matthew 3:16) who descended upon Jesus has been given to us. What does it mean to you to be united with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit of God?