"There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God." --Psalm 46:4

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Serving God with His people at Faith OPC has been a great joy and blessing. When I grow up, I want to umpire Little League Baseball. I will revel on that day when I can say to a 10-year-old boy after four pitched balls, "Take a walk in the sunshine." My wife of 30+ years, Peggy, consistently demonstrates the love of Christ and remains my very best friend. Our six children, our four lovely, sweetie-pie daughters-in-law, and our four grandchildren serve as resident theologians.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Why Was Jesus Baptized?


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. Hes 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. Hes 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 Gods 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 Jordan. See Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-13; Luke 3: 20-21; John 1:24-34.


G. Mark Sumpter

1 comment:

Matt said...

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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