BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Matthew 3:13-17, Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let me be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, and whom I am well pleased.”
How would you have answered Jesus, if he came to you to be baptized? Would you be like John and say Jesus should be baptizing you? I think all of us would react the same as John, why do you ask this of me?
Baptism is a public testimony of individuals confessing their belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. Most people are baptized at a very young age and their parents confess their belief in God and Jesus Christ. The parents pledge with their hearts to raise the baptized child following the word of Jesus Christ. It always impresses me when an adult and/or an older child are baptized. They clearly understand the meaning and remember the baptism for the rest of their lives.
The above version from Matthew, makes you think back to who pledged their beliefs for you during your baptism. Thank them in person or in prayer for setting you on a righteous path: believing in God and Jesus Christ.
Your friend in Christ,
Steve Haller