This sermon explores Christ’s baptism through the complementary Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew, showing how each evangelist emphasizes a distinct theological perspective without contradiction.

Luke highlights humility, reversal, and inclusion, revealing a kingdom where God exalts the lowly and forms a new family grounded in grace rather than status.

Matthew emphasizes fulfillment, covenant faithfulness, and judgment, presenting Jesus as Israel’s Messiah who relives and completes Israel’s story by submitting to divine judgment to “fulfill all righteousness.”

Together, these accounts reveal baptism as the moment Christ publicly consecrates Himself to bear judgment for His people and secure true peace with God. Jesus is shown to be both the humble King and the righteous Judge, welcoming outsiders while confronting self-righteousness. The family of God is not built on merit or despair, but on redemption accomplished by Christ alone. True shalom is found only in Him, calling all people, exalted and humble alike, to find their identity, confidence, and life in Christ, the great equalizer.