Jesus leaves his hometown of Nazareth in Galilee and journeys through Samaria down into the region where John is baptizing followers. Jesus, an outsider, presents himself to be baptized by John—a process and procedure Jesus no doubt neither needed nor was required to complete. Nevertheless, Jesus experiences baptism like you and I do, and with a similar result—a new life devoted to following God. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ active ministry begins only after he is baptized.
Jesus’ decision to be baptized seemingly signals a new direction in his life. The heavens are torn apart as God confirms that true power exists in a posture of vulnerable humility and a life devoted to following God. Mark invites us, unlike the characters in his Gospel, to hear the words that affirm Jesus’ decision: “You are my Son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased.” God confirms that to follow we do not use power to manipulate; but by defying expectations, we are transformed into new life.
In baptism, God removes our sin and makes us one with God. Jesus models baptism for us, and every act of baptism lives into Jesus’ story—God claims each of us as God’s beloved child.
This is indeed good news. God empowers us to do God’s will not because we are powerful but because we are followers. Willingness to be transformed by God makes us not susceptible but secure. Truly this is the new kingdom into which we are integrated through Jesus Christ in our own baptism.