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Epiphany Season · Year C

Baptism of the Lord

If Epiphany is celebrated on Sunday then the "Baptism of the Lord" is the next day on Monday, and "Ordinary Time" starts Tuesday. · January 9, 2028

The Baptism of Christ, Perugino
The Baptism of Christ, Perugino, 1500–1505The Art Institute of Chicago
In a quiet river valley John pours water on Christ’s head while kneeling angels on both banks wait to serve him.Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened.PeruginoThe Umbrian master who taught Raphael, loved for calm figures set in clear, open landscapes.The Art Institute of ChicagoThe Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.The Art Institute of Chicago
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 3:15-17, 21-22Lk 3:15-17, 21-22
EpistleActs 8:14-17
Old TestamentIsa. 43:1-7Is 43:1-7
PsalterPs. 29Ps 29

Overview & Insights

"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:22)

As the crowds wonder whether John might be the Messiah, John points ahead to one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. After John's arrest is briefly noted, Jesus is baptized among the people, and as he prays the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice names him beloved Son.

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Take it further: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22Commentary on Lk 3:15-17, 21-22 Working Preacher

A Luther Seminary commentary noting that Luke's John is already imprisoned, absent from the baptism itself.

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 CommentaryLk 3:15-17, 21-22 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Reformed preaching commentary on the Spirit's descent and the Father's voice naming Jesus beloved Son.

Luke 3 CommentaryLk 3 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse by verse evangelical commentary on John's preaching and the baptism of Jesus.

Luke 3 CommentaryLk 3 Commentary Precept Austin

A deep study page gathering Greek word studies, cross references, and many expositors on Luke 3.

Classic commentaries on Luke 3Classic commentaries on Lk 3 BibleHub

A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.

Background & Word Study

Overview: LukeOverview: Lk BibleProject

An animated overview of Luke's design, framing the baptism that opens Jesus' public ministry.

Luke 3 interlinearLk 3 interlinear BibleHub

The Greek text of Luke 3 word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the baptism scene.

The Church Fathers

Luke 3, patristic commentaryLk 3, patristic commentary Catena

A verse linked catena gathering patristic comment on Luke 3.

Sermons & Reflections

"Why Do You Come to Me?" The Baptism of Jesus Journey with Jesus

A lectionary essay on the role reversal of Jesus submitting to John's baptism.

Worship & Prayers

First Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C The Lectionary Page

An Anglican lectionary page with the full propers, collect, and readings for the Baptism of the Lord.

Podcast

Sermon Brainwave #643: Baptism of Our Lord Working Preacher

The Sermon Brainwave roundtable working through the Year C readings for the Baptism of the Lord.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for this reading across the history of Christian art.

Study Hub

Luke 3:15-22Lk 3:15-22 Textweek

The Textweek hub aggregating commentary, art, and sermon links across the Baptism of the Lord readings (a few links may be dated).

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