Location: St Mary’s, Slaugham
Date: 10.45am, 25th January 2026
Speaker: Rev. Carl Smith
Passage: Matthew 3:13-17

This sermon launches our year-long journey through the Gospel of Matthew, beginning with the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13–17. Focusing on Jesus’ words that he was baptised “to fulfil all righteousness,” we explore why the sinless Son of God chose to step into the waters — not for his own sake, but for ours.

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfils the law, the prophets, and God’s purposes for humanity. In his baptism, Jesus identifies with our brokenness and reveals the good news that his righteousness is offered to us. This sets the tone for the year ahead as we grow in confidence that the gospel truly is good news.