Jesus' Baptism

Sept. 16, 2019 Monday Message:

Jesus speaking: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 NLT

Jesus sets the example when it comes to baptism, saying, “We must carry out all that God requires.” So he went to the Jordan River, and after a brief discussion with John the Baptist over which one of them should baptize the other, Jesus went into the water. (See Matt. 3:13-16)

We aren’t given much detail about the baptism ritual, which tells me that God isn’t overly concerned with such details. The important thing is obedience - that we make an outward visible sign of the radical transformation that’s occurred within us – Just DO IT!

What I love best is what happened AFTER the baptism. “The Spirit of God descending like a dove settled on Jesus. And a voice from heaven called out, ‘This is my dearly beloved Son, who brings me great joy.’”

And there you have it – Jesus Son-of-God in the water, the Holy Spirit showing up in a visible way, and the voice of God booming from the heavens, clearly identifying Jesus as the Son of God. Father – Son – Holy Spirit, in the same sentence. That’s the one God in three different forms – the Triune God that we worship. That’s what differentiates the Christian God from the gods of all other religions.

Jesus speaking: “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. This week we’ll look at 1 Cor. 12:1-11 - Spiritual Gifts for all! See you at church!