One of the reasons why we have so many troubles in our society is that people do not know who they are before, God. They don't know their true identity.

For example: A man works hard to claw his way to the top in his profession etc.

Another example: A girl dying of cancer etc.

These examples, no doubt are difficult issues, but knowing God and His love for us in Jesus Christ will help us to know ourselves and our role in life amid the problems and challenges we face. The ministries of John the Baptizer and of Jesus mentioned here in our text, which is the Gospel Lesson for today, give us great help in


John knew God, himself, and his purpose in life. John the Baptizer knew God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He also knew himself. He knew his purpose in life and followed it faithfully.

Jesus knew His Father, Himself and His purpose or role. Jesus knew His Father from eternity. He knew His love, and He heard the Father's public affirmation that day he was baptized. Jesus knew Himself, the eternal, beloved Son. Jesus knew His purpose in life here on earth.

We, like John, are sinners before God unable to redeem ourselves deserving of eternal wrath and death. The need for repentance and the certainty of judgment for those who do not repent are clear. Jesus comes to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire after all. The one much stronger than John is the Judge of all people.

Nevertheless, from what we see John and Jesus doing here in our text we can also know God, not only as perfect and holy, punishing iniquity and sins, but also a God of mercy and forgiveness for those who repent of their sins.

Not only is Jesus the Judge of all people, He is also the Savior. Because in Baptism we are given the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection. Our sins are washed away and we who were enemies of God and unrighteousness, are reconciled to Him and are becoming righteous in His view. Faith is planted in us and new life is given by the Spirit!

In Baptism God claims us as His beloved sons and daughters. (1 John 2:1) That is our chief identity and empowered by God's love, first brought to us in Baptism and which keeps on coming to us through God's Word and the Lord's Supper, we live with new purpose, as new people. We produce fruit in keeping with repentance. (Luke 3:11)

Forgiven by God, we forgive. Comforted by Him we comfort. Loved by Him we love!

We also make sacrifices. One thing that stands out in both the ministry of John and Jesus is sacrifice.

May God help us to know Him better, ourselves better and our roles better.

Amen.