In His Baptism, Jesus Takes His Place with Sinners

Introit: Ps. 89:1, 26-28; antiphon: Liturgical text, Ps. 89:20
Old Testament: Is. 42:1-7
Epistle: 1 Cor. 1:26-31
Gospel: Matt. 3:13-17

Our Lord Jesus is baptized "to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:13-17). He partakes of a baptism for sinners in order that He might be our substitute and bear the judgment we deserve. In the water, Jesus trades places with us. Our sin becomes His sin. His righteousness becomes our righteousness. Our glory, therefore, is in "Christ Jesus, who became to us . . . righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:26-31). Jesus is the "chosen" One sent from the Father to release us from the prison house of sin and death (Is. 42:1-7). Baptized into Christ, we also become the chosen ones, beloved of the Father. We cross the Jordan with Jesus (Joshua 3) through death into the promised land of new life with God.