Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Baptism of Our Lord (January 11, 2026), diving deep into what makes this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry more than just a baptismal event.

The hosts examine why this Sunday marks the beginning of Epiphany rather than simply a theology of baptism. Jesus undergoes John's baptism of repentance—not Christian baptism—which troubled the early church and explains why John's Gospel omits Jesus' baptism entirely. Matt Skinner suggests John the Baptist served as a teacher to Jesus, with repentance signaling Jesus' readiness to embrace God's calling rather than washing away sins.

The conversation emphasizes the Holy Spirit's central role: the Spirit's arrival empowers Jesus for ministry and leads him into the wilderness. This is Matthew's first instance of God speaking directly, publicly affirming "This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

The hosts connect this voice to Psalm 2's coronation language and explore whether God's voice thundered like Psalm 29 describes or arrived as a quiet whisper. Isaiah 42's servant songs provide crucial context for understanding Matthew's gentle yet justice-oriented Jesus.

The hosts preview how this passage becomes essential for navigating Matthew's gospel, which balances Jesus' easy yoke with uncompromising demands. The discussion touches on how the early church searched scriptures post-resurrection to understand Jesus' identity.

Acts 10:34-43 offers Peter's thumbnail sketch of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing God's anointing with the Holy Spirit and power. The hosts note this Sunday functions as a "mini-Pentecost" in Jesus' life, examining how baptism sets a particular way of life in motion—both for Jesus and for contemporary Christians reflecting on their own baptismal calling.