Day 26
Have you ever wondered what baptism is?
Have you ever wondered if you must be baptized to be a Christian?
Read: Matthew 3:11
This verse highlights the greater spiritual baptism Jesus will bring, compared to John's symbolic act of repentance.
Read: Matthew 3:13-17
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and affirms His identity as the Son of God.
Read: 1 Peter 3:21
This verse highlights that baptism symbolizes an inner transformation and commitment to God.
John (a man), baptized Jesus (the Savior of humanity). Does that sound a bit ironic to you? It did to John the Baptist - and he told Jesus so. But Jesus wanted to stress the importance of baptism, and he wanted to leave us a model to follow, so he was baptized. Jesus didn’t need forgiveness; he was perfect. But he followed the will of his Father, which included baptism.
A marriage commitment begins with a ring. The couple publicly commits to each other. At the ceremony, the couple declares, “I’m no longer my own - I’m married!” Baptism announces that you are no longer you former, independent self. You have chosen a relationship, and you take Jesus’ name, “Christian.”
Baptism is a blessing, not a burden; an honor, not a chore; a privilege, not a punishment. By obeying Jesus’ command to be baptized, you symbolically die to sin and are reborn with Christ.
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of changed hearts and lives. He told people to believe in the one who would come after him, and that on is Jesus” - Acts 19:4
Personal Application:
Additional Reading: Acts 2:38-39