Session 28

Why baptism is our first next step

From Matthew: A 28-Day Devotional

Imagine what it must have been like for John the Baptist to see Jesus walking toward him asking to be baptized. John knew who Jesus was — the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance of sin, yet Jesus, who had never sinned, sought out John to baptize Him.

Why would Jesus take a step that clearly was not necessary? He told John that His baptism would “fulfill all righteousness.” He came to be baptized not because He needed to be, but to be obedient to His Father. After Jesus’s baptism, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus’s act of obedience was pleasing to God the Father.

Baptism is a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It is a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. And finally, it is an act of obedience, an opportunity for us to clearly follow Jesus's example.

If we are followers of Jesus Christ, what circumstance or excuse should keep us from following our Savior’s example? Jesus began His ministry on earth by coming to John to be baptized. Similarly, baptism should be our first step as His followers. Why wait any longer to take this important step?

Reflect:

• If you are a follower of Jesus and you have not been baptized since receiving Christ, what has been holding you back? You can find more information about baptism here. 
• If you have been baptized since your salvation, you have taken your first step, but there is always a next step as we walk with Jesus. What is your next step? What can you do today in order to take it?