Gospel lesson of the week
The Baptism of our Lord

Matthew 3:13-17

Before Jesus begins his ministry, he is baptized by John, touched by the Spirit, and identified publicly as God’s child.

¹³Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Gospel Refection Questions: 

1. John the Baptist was administering a Jewish “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Do you think Jesus needed to repent?  If not, why do you think Jesus insisted that John baptize him?
2. We are taught that Christian baptism is a visible sign, in water and God’s Word, that God has already forgiven each of us. How can we fully accept that we are already forgiven?
3. If we are already forgiven, does that mean we no longer need to reflect on and repent of our sins?

Prayer: 

O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Mt. Olive's online Bible Study is a weekly opportunity to reflect on
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