John 1
In his description of John the Baptist's (JB) role in proclaiming the coming of Jesus, John the apostle describes the Pharisees reaction (v24) to John the Baptist's baptisms in the Jordan River, and JA in v26 notes JB's response to the Pharisees.
All of this drove me this morning to better understand the purpose of baptism. Of course we have the modern day (and New Testament) definition of baptism and it's role in our faith and in the church. Yet I think it is important to also understand the Jewish and Old Testament origins of baptism as context to better understand why JB was baptizing people before Jesus even arrived on the scene.
This post provides a good overview of the role of ritual washing in the Old Testament. A more comprehensive listing (and brief description) of Old Testament ritual washings is available here.
Peter also uses the Great Flood as a reference to baptism:
After being made alive, he [Jesus] went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:19-21
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me a path of reconciliation to God the Father - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of being Your child - yet You give me this right anyway. Thank You Jesus. Please forgive me for my worry, etc. Help me turn from such sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know". v26
In his description of John the Baptist's (JB) role in proclaiming the coming of Jesus, John the apostle describes the Pharisees reaction (v24) to John the Baptist's baptisms in the Jordan River, and JA in v26 notes JB's response to the Pharisees.
All of this drove me this morning to better understand the purpose of baptism. Of course we have the modern day (and New Testament) definition of baptism and it's role in our faith and in the church. Yet I think it is important to also understand the Jewish and Old Testament origins of baptism as context to better understand why JB was baptizing people before Jesus even arrived on the scene.
This post provides a good overview of the role of ritual washing in the Old Testament. A more comprehensive listing (and brief description) of Old Testament ritual washings is available here.
Peter also uses the Great Flood as a reference to baptism:
After being made alive, he [Jesus] went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:19-21
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me a path of reconciliation to God the Father - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of being Your child - yet You give me this right anyway. Thank You Jesus. Please forgive me for my worry, etc. Help me turn from such sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
