A Baptism of Obedience

January 12

(Luke 3:21-22 NIV) “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”

(Matthew 3:13-15 NIV) ““Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. {14} But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" {15} Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.””

(John 1:29-31 NIV) ““The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! {30} This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ {31} I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”” 

(Acts 2:36-41 NIV) ““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." {37} When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" {38} Peter replied, "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. {39} The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." {40} With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." {41} Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.””

When Jesus began public ministry, he came to be baptized by John. John was surprised, as his baptism was a baptism of repentance, and he knew Jesus had no sin from which to repent. Jesus, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world, had no real need of John’s baptism. But Jesus prevailed and was baptized. Baptism is not something that saves us, as Jesus had no need to be saved. It doesn’t bring salvation, it follows salvation. It doesn’t wash our sins away, it is symbolic of the cleansing that repentance and salvation bring. Jesus said the purpose of His baptism was to “fulfill all righteousness”. It was a step of obedience, marking the start of Christ’s public ministry and priesthood. So it is with our baptism. It’s a step of obedience -- a public declaration that we have become a part of the priesthood of believers. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day