At the Jordan River, John baptized Jesus—It seems a little odd at first
Some reasons why Jesus was baptized:
1. He showed His humanity and humility. He is One, who like us, took part in life under God. He’s truly man, fully flesh. He wore the sandals, and perspired as He walked north and south on the dusty pathways of Old Palestine. He would enter in and be a part of the work of God on earth. What is to be man’s life-shaping, fundamental identity? It’s to be a man, woman or child under God, as servant. It’s life given to God—100%! In this respect, at baptism, His humanity, along with His servant hood, is being emphasized. He’s like us; when we're baptized, we receive the sign of being identified as a God-follower, a disciple, a member of the covenant, a part of God’s program. Jesus entered into the same way of discipleship. He humbled Himself to be under God's authority, under God [the Father's] appointed mission for Him. Are you a baptized member of Christ’s fold? Are you submissive to Him? Are you delighting in God’s mission, direction and service? Men, women and children are baptized to be included in God's plan, to belong to God and His way and mission. We are to give the whole of life over to Him for life-long faith and faithfulness.
“All the way my Savior leads me.”
Let’s keep going, there are several more reasons why Jesus was baptized at the
G. Mark Sumpter
1 comment:
Mark,
I am also thinking that Jesus was baptized as a way of obeying perfectly all the commands that he gives us (he also tells us to pick up the cross, as he also does first). Anyway, I also read somewhere that this is why it is written that he "came by water and blood". (1 John 5:6) Such frames his earthly ministry: water and blood - from baptism to the cross.
Matt
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