I may have to read this sermon again next year. It was filled with rich imagery and powerful sacramental statements. Here are a few from Luther’s sermon preached on the Epiphany of our Lord, January 6th, 1534:
“Christ is holier even than baptism, yet still allows himself to be baptized.”
“But God in heaven poured himself out when Christ was baptized.”
“There is no longer a dividing line between God and us, for he has descended into the {baptismal} water.”
“Therefore we should have high regard for this festival. To some degree it is about the wise men. But there is something much, much more important here: the real “three kings”–the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
“Water becomes a precious ointment and medication because God has stirred himself into it.”
What does Luther mean by, “holier even than baptism”?
It would seem as though Luther saw Baptism by John as a type of humiliation, yet as I understand it, it was his priestly consecration. Baptized into a royal priesthood with God’s blessing: “Thou art my beloved Son”.
You are right. Baptism is the priestly anointing. Luther’s emphasis was much more on baptism as death, whereas Calvin took baptism as a missional initiation rite.