No one was more surprised that day than the preacher. It all seemed wrong.
The right preacher was preaching and the right baptizer was baptizing until the rabbi from Galilee showed up. Then it was backwards; or so it seemed. It wasn’t just because John and Jesus were related. Nor was it that they weren’t on the same page theologically. John knew that Jesus was the Messiah. John knew he was the lead blocker for the redeemer of Israel and the Savior of the world. But in John’s mind it seemed like Jesus’ life and message superceded his own. John wanted to identify with the person and work of Jesus. Jesus wanting to identify with John’s message was all-wrong in the mind of the tough minded prophet. Review the story for yourself (Matthew 3:13-17).
Jesus’ reason for wanting to be baptized was “to fulfill all righteousness.” This was confusing as well. You see John’s message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” “Repent!” Jesus had no need to repent. He had never sinned. Why would Jesus want to be baptized in that context?
Perhaps we miss the significance of baptism. We forget that baptism is to publicly identify with a message. Then it makes sense. Jesus identified with the truth about John’s message. He agreed that people needed to repent for the kingdom of God was at hand.
It was humanly speaking a credibility issue. Jesus was completely submitted to the plans of God, the Father and lived that way on earth. He went with his folks to the temple, spent time in the synagogues learning the OT law, and now submitted to the message of God’s prophet, John. He did it because it was right to do. He did what He was asking His followers to do, trust and obey.
Jesus is still asking his followers to trust and obey. Christian baptism is still central. There is a clear message to be accepted:
Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. (Acts 2:38, 39)
Submission to the message from God today begins with repentance, i.e. to think differently about my life and my need for forgiveness. Jesus, the Savior of the world has made it possible to be forgiven of my sin and to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus the Lord, lived the life I couldn’t, went to the cross to die the death I deserved, then rose from the grave to offer new life to any who would place their full trust in Him, becoming His follower. That is the message.
If you are living today, that is the message you must come to grips with. Repent. Have you repented? Do you agree with God that Jesus is our only hope for salvation? Have you heard the call to become a follower of Jesus? If the answer is yes then there is a truth you must recon with. It was never God’s intention that your decision about Jesus would remain a private matter in your heart.
That is why Baptism is at the core of Christian discipleship. Jesus told his disciples to go reproduce themselves. Make disciples was the mandate. Baptize them and teach them were central to that mandate. Baptism is the way we publicly identify with the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a matter of obedience (Matthew 28:18-20).
On June 13th, a Sunday morning, we will have another opportunity for you to publicly identify with Jesus. Baptism doesn’t save you; it reveals you.
Have you been baptized since you received the Savior and submitted to be a follower of Jesus? If you have, then come and celebrate as others go public with their faith.
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Submitted by Pastor Keith, 10:57 pm
