Baptism Sunday

Matthew 3:13-16, Romans 6:3-5, Acts 2:38-29

Baptism by John the Baptist was more of a cleansing ritual, to be performed in a natural body of water. John pointed to the One who was to come.

Christian baptism is for us to identify in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

So why should I get Baptized?

1) Because Jesus was and wants us to be baptized, too.

• Matthew 3:13-16 (NIV) | ¹³ 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. ¹⁶ 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 alighting on him.

2) Because it’s a powerful symbol of what Jesus did for us.

• Romans 6:3-5 (NIV) | ³ …don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

3. Because we need it to truly live in God’s power.

• Acts 2:38-39 (NIV) | 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.”

So should I wait to get right?

Why wait!? Like Peter said, “Repent, believe, and be baptized!”

Reflection Questions

1. What is the difference between the baptisms that John the Baptist performed and what we experience today?
2. Why did Jesus say baptism was necessary for righteousness? How would you have felt if you were John and saw Jesus come to you?
3. What is the symbolic meaning of baptism?
4. What does God do for us when we are baptized?
5. The Apostle Peter’s advised people to do what? What does that mean for us today? How will you commit or recommit your life to the Lord accordingly?