Baptism means different things to various church members. Some traditions use infant baptism while others use immersion. I grew up in a Disciples church that baptized when the individual was able to choose baptism as a way of cleansing of sin and beginning a new life with Christ. My parents grew up in the same church and they were baptized in the Iowa River near Liscomb. I was baptized in our church baptistry on April 9, 1967.
Perhaps Jesus' first act of ministry was His own baptism by John. Baptism represents repentance of sins and the changed life that follows. However, for Jesus, who never sinned, baptism was a way to show His obedience to God's plan or as Jesus said, "To fulfill all righteousness," (Matthew 3:15 NIV).
John the Baptist was preaching in the Desert of Judea, preparing the way for Jesus. He was a prophet who praised God in all he did. He said:
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire," (Matthew 3:11 NIV).
John was humbled when Jesus came to him, asking to be baptized.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased"," (Matthew 3:16-17 NIV).
No matter how or when you were baptized, I pray that you can come before God with a heart that is His alone.
O, God, Father of all Mankind, we can only imagine the awesome sight of Jesus' baptism. We would love to have been there. We open our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to work in us today. Let us be led by You and guided in all that we do. We worship You, O Lord, and offer our complete devotion to You and the teachings of Your Son. This we pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
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