Peace with God.

Luke 3:21-22

Introduction

On the first Sunday of Epiphany, we are invited to witness the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry through His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This moment holds rich theological significance and marks the start of a divine revelation to the people of Israel. As we reflect on this passage, we focus on the theme of peace—the peace between God and humanity that is made possible through Jesus Christ. Luke’s Gospel gives us unique details that help us understand this profound truth.

The Peace of God in the Baptism of Jesus

At the time of Jesus’ baptism, the people were under the weight of John the Baptist’s preaching—a call to repentance for the coming judgment. Judgment loomed over them because of their sin and rebellion, yet the baptism offered a chance to be cleansed and prepared for the coming Messiah. The waters of the Jordan symbolized both judgment and purification.

However, in the midst of this call to repentance, something extraordinary happened. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, entered the waters of baptism. Why? He did not need to repent or be cleansed. Rather, He entered the waters to take on the sins of the world and, in doing so, make peace between God and humanity.

This peace is symbolized in a powerful image: the dove. In Luke’s account, the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus in bodily form like a dove. To understand the significance of this, we must look back to the Old Testament, particularly to the story of Noah and the flood.

Peace and Renewal in the Old Testament

In the flood narrative, Noah sends out a dove to find dry land after the waters had receded. On its second flight, the dove returns with an olive branch, signifying that God’s judgment had ended and peace had been made. Finally, the dove did not return, signaling the dawn of a new creation. The dove represented peace and renewal after judgment.

In the baptism of Jesus, the dove once again symbolizes peace—but this time, it signifies not only the end of judgment but the beginning of a new creation through Jesus Christ. The dove descending upon Jesus in His baptism signals that He is the one who will bring about this peace between God and man, fulfilling the work that the floodwaters of judgment could only point to.

Jesus Brings Peace with God

Jesus’ baptism marks the moment when God’s plan for reconciliation is fully revealed. As the Holy Spirit descends like a dove and rests upon Jesus, God the Father speaks from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This declaration affirms that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who will bring peace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus will ultimately make peace with God, offering forgiveness of sins to all who repent and believe.

This peace is not just a theological concept; it is a reality that transforms lives. Through baptism into Christ, we are united with Him in His death and resurrection. As Paul writes in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The peace that Jesus establishes is a lasting peace, one that is not fleeting or conditional. It is the peace of a reconciled relationship with God, made possible through the cross.

Peacetime

What does this peace look like in our lives today? First, it means that we no longer live in fear of condemnation. Just as the dove symbolized peace after the flood, so too does the Holy Spirit testify to us that we have been reconciled to God through Christ. This peace should shape our relationships with others as well. As those who have been given peace with God, we are called to extend that peace to one another. Romans 1:12 speaks of the mutual encouragement that happens when believers gather together, sharing in the peace of Christ.

In our worship, in our fellowship, and even in our passing of the peace, we share in the reality of the peace that Jesus has won for us. This peace is not just a feeling but a powerful, transformative reality that gives us strength to face the challenges of life with hope and assurance.