Jesus' Baptism, John's Reluctance

Matthew 3:1-17 click here for the reading

"John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Matthew 3:14-15

There is a reluctance in our relationship with God.  This Sunday'sscripture (Matthew 3:1-17) shows us that there is a reluctance for repentance.  That was is far too easy to see in others and ourselves.  It is what prevents us from a deeper discipleship, what Jesus later requests of us in dying to our selfish ways (Matthew 16).  But here, with John, we see a reluctance of righteousness.  Jesus request of John to baptize him (the son of God) appears normal. I mean it is Jesus.  But maybe John is making to much of his reluctance to participate.

Jesus' baptism is the very connection he makes with his people.  It is Jesus' baptism that fully identifies him with the people he has come to save.  Jesus insists that John do so in order to fulfill all righteousness.  By doing so, John and others here the affirmation from heaven; "this is my Son with whom I am well pleased." In our own baptismal identity we are linked with the same adoption. We are claimed as God's children through Jesus' death and resurrection.  And that would be sufficient for all righteousness. BUT God then calls us to participate in the righteousness that God is bringing into the world.  That is when we might even be more reluctant than ever.