Tonight, we'll begin to look at the text of Matthew, chapters three and four. Even if you just have time to read the chapters (they are short), you should come! If you have a bit more time, look over the reading guide and note your impressions and questions.
We'll also do a little exploration of how to read the Gospel reflectively using an ancient technique, lectio divina.
I hope to see you there!
Why is John baptizing Jesus? I don't understnad the significants for having John baptize Jesus. Is it supposed to mean that Jesus is just a man?
ReplyDeleteJesus was getting others to follow him. I understand Jesus was a healer but the question 'what does Jesus' role as healer mean for us?', I'm not sure.
Jenny, we did discuss this and that is a good question.
ReplyDeleteThe ritual John was using seems to have come from the Jewish mikvah. (Even if it was not strictly a mikvah, the lines between that tradition and baptism are pretty clear.)
Mikvah is a way to connect to the original wholeness of creation. One submerges oneself fully in the water three times and the idea is that one emerges renewed, as on the day of creation.
Jews use this ritual most commonly as women end their menstrual periods and return to their husbands. It is usually done by both the bride and groom before their marriage. It can be done any time one is beginning something new. And it is also done when one is repentant.
Jesus was indeed a man, but he was free from sin. He didn't need baptism in the way that we do, to free us from sin. However, at the beginning of his public ministry, it seemed to be a very important step for him, and also a validation of his relationship with God.
As to Jesus' role as a healer, I suppose another way to ask the question is "How do we ask Jesus to heal us?"