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Posted At: 3:47am by Brent Kuhlman
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Third Sunday in Advent / Trinity Lutheran Church
11 December 2005 / Murdock, NE
Baptism of Jordan Renee Vogler
+ Jesu Juva +
Mark 10:13-16
Good thing the disciples aren’t here today! Because Peter, James, and John would intercept Vance and Rose at the door. Cut them off at the pass. Never let them get past the greeters. And Peter, with his best Marlon Brando Godfather mafioso voice would say: “What’s this Mr. and Mrs. Vogler? Bringing your baby to church today are you?”
And the Voglers answer: “Yes, indeed Mr. Brando . . . we mean Mr. Apostle Peter. Brought her to Jesus so that He can touch her. Take her into His nail-scarred hands and bless her in Holy Baptism.”
Godfather Peter takes the Voglers into his office. Leans back in his chair. Takes a big drag from his Cuban, slurps his scotch on the rocks, cracks his knuckles and sighs: “Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Vogler. The Lord has more important things to do. Simon the Zealot is already booked for the 10:30. Wants to persuade Jesus to take part in a violent coup to overthrow the Roman occupiers and oppressors. Judas Iscariot has the 11:30 appointment to discuss a hefty donation for the poor. Matthew follows him at 12:30 to discuss whether the donation is tax deductible. I’ve got the 2:00. The Lord wants to fit me with a miter, pectoral cross, crosier and cassock. James and John have the 4:00. They’ll be working out the details of who will be CEO in Power Kingdom Inc. with the help of their mother. Thomas has the evening appointment. He’s got a doubting problem. Little babies aren’t worthy of the Lord’s attention or time. Read our lips: Babies are do nothings. Nobodies. Make the shape of an “L” with your fingers and press it hard to your forehead. Repeat after me: ‘Losers!’ That’s what they are! So what part of Let’s Not Bother the Lord With Your Little Baby don’t you understand? What’s that? . . . You still insist on bringing your baby to Jesus? You leave me with no choice. No more polite rebukes. Andrew! Bartholomew! Philip! Boys! Show these nice people the door! The Cadillac is outside. You know what to do.” “Right! Got it boss!”
Like I said. Good thing the disciples aren’t here today. They’d keep little Jordan away from the Lord’s touch. They’d have put a stop to her Baptism today.
Jesus was always touching people. To heal a leper (Luke 5:13). To raise the dead (Luke 7:14). To restore a sliced off ear (Luke 22:51). A hemorrhaging woman touched the tassel of Jesus’ robe to stop her bleeding (Luke 8:44-47). To touch Jesus or to be touched by Him is a big deal. A salvation big deal. His touch brings you into contact with God’s power. God’s power to restore. God’s power to save. To touch Jesus or to be touched by Jesus is a saving event.
And His own disciples would prevent or hinder Jordan from Jesus’ saving touch. No wonder He is very displeased with them. So He says: “Vance and Rose, don’t listen to my disciples. Ignore Peter’s Marlon Brando complex. Forgive them all. They don’t get it yet. Bring Jordan here to Me. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. In other words, I’ve come for the babies too. I’m for all. My death on the Cross is for all sinners. Young. Old. Newborn. Senior Citizen. Don’t let anyone prevent you from bringing little Jordan to Me.”
And you didn’t. You brought Jordan to Jesus today. You heard His voice. And He touched her, baptized her, in the water of Holy Baptism. Washed her with His own hands. And with that watery touch she is blessed with the benefits of His Good Friday death. Forgiveness. Life. Salvation.
Baby Jordan has nothing to offer Jesus. She has no adult- like accomplishments of which to boast. No impressive big time adult-like achievements. She has nothing about which to brag. Compared to an adult she is a nothing. She can only be given to. Given gifts by the Lord. Baptism. Rebirth. Life. Eternal life. A bath that ushers her into God’s kingdom: gratis. For this baptismal bath cleanses her with the blood of Christ’s Calvary dying.
Adults are all about achievements. Accomplishments. “Look what I do God. Look what I don’t do God.” But that’s exactly what DQ-s them from the kingdom. Insist on entering the kingdom with what you earn or deserve and you’ll be shown the door. Bounced right out. So to all of you Achievement and Accomplishment Adults Jesus says: “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Like a little child. Like a little Jordan. A little do nothing. A little can’t do anything. Dad and Mom had to dress her, drive her, and carry her. To the font. To be given to. Touched by the Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Baptism. Blessed with the kingdom of God. And that’s Jesus. His Good Friday doing and death. His Good Friday forgiving.
Happy Baptism day Jordan! Don’t let anyone rebuke you for this day. I mean it. No one. Not even an apostle. For Jesus took you into His arms. Put His hands on you. Blessed you and brought you into His kingdom through this watered Word. Good thing for Jesus. We’re nothing. He’s everything! The Savior!
In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
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