Sermon thoughts – Baptism of the Lord – A

“By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?“: this was the question of the High Priest to Jesus as he taught in the temple. ( Mt 21: 23)

Had Jesus any authority ? What was his power?
These questions were and are up to date.
The readings on the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus may enlighten us a lot.

Of course Jesus, as a carpenter had no special authority to the people. But he was not only a poor craftsman. He had his deep knowledge in the Holy Scriptures and traditions and teachings of his people. He could prove it in his young age: “After three days they (Mary & Joseph) found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.“ ( Lk 2 , 46)

That was just an example to his intellectual power.
But Jesus had a spiritual power. For he was the Son of God.
“This is my beloved Son,with whom I am well pleased “ (Mt 3, 17).
Yes indeed, Jesus the Son of God inherited the power of God. He believed in it. His Baptism is a confirmation of this Divine Authority.

-- Thomas Kalathil
Sermon thoughts – Baptism of the Lord – A