Creator, Father, King #165

Have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?

JOHN THE BAPTIST COULDN’T believe his ears.

He had been baptizing many people at the Jordan River to prepare their hearts for God’s long-awaited Messiah. Now, Jesus was standing before him, and much to John’s surprise, the Savior was asking to be baptized.

“I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” John said, “so why are you coming to me?”

“It should be done,” Jesus replied, “for we must carry out all that God requires.”

As Jesus came out of the water, God’s Spirit descended on him “like a dove” and God spoke: “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (Matthew 3:13-17).

What’s It Mean?

Jesus’ baptism inaugurated his earthly ministry; authenticated his eternal, triune relationship with the Father and Spirit; and identified him (though he was holy) with sinners he came to save. It also gave all future Christians a pattern to follow. In the great commission before his ascension, Jesus commanded baptism for all believers: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is one of two sacraments for Christians today. (The other is the Lord’s Supper, which we’ll cover in the August 6 devotion.) A sacrament is a religious ritual that symbolizes a spiritual truth. Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper is necessary for salvation, but both are important parts of every Christian’s life. Baptism is a one-time event that should be done as a public profession of faith after you have trusted in Christ. (See the “Did You Know?” section below.)

As Romans 6:3-4 says, baptism is a visual representation of Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf. Just as Jesus went down into the tomb and was raised up three days later, a person being baptized goes down into the water and is raised up out of it to show their union with him. Baptism also symbolizes the new creation we are in Christ, as he forgives our sins and spiritually cleanses us before God (1 Peter 3:21).

Baptism is a beautiful representation of the gospel. All believers should be baptized in obedience to God’s Son!

Now What?

If you are a follower of Jesus and haven’t been baptized, ask your parents about doing so.

Did You Know?

The New Testament apostles always connected baptism with faith and repentance, which is only possible for those who truly understand the gospel (Acts 2:37-38; 8:12; 10:46-48; 18:8; and 22:16).