Baptism

By Joseph Murdy
This past Sunday was the Baptism of our Lord (Matthew 3:13-17). We heard the story of how Jesus was baptized by John. Jesus came to John (his cousin) to be baptized. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, and even though Jesus was without sin, he asked John to baptize him in order to fulfill all righteousness. This righteousness which Jesus talks about refers to the prophecy made in Isaiah. “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-19).” Jesus’ baptism was not to cleanse him from sin, rather, it was to affirm to John and to the world (i.e. us), “This is my Son, whom I love, and with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

As Christians we follow the instruction of Jesus who tells us “to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” What is Baptism? In baptism we are sprinkled/dunked/splashed with water. The water is a symbol of cleansing. However, we believe that in baptism, we are given to the Kingdom of God. In baptism we become children of God. Martin Luther thought his was so powerful that he once said, “When we wash our face, we should remember our baptism.” Many of us cannot remember our actual baptism (unless it was recorded); instead we remember the meaning of baptism and what it means for our everyday lives.

Baptism washes away our sins and makes us acceptable to God. In baptism we believe that we die with Christ and are born again to his resurrection. Because if we share in his death than we also share in his resurrection. One of my favorite images for baptism is that when God sees us, he sees the face of his Son. In baptism there is reconciliation and forgiveness. The incredible thing about baptism is that this opportunity for reconciliation and forgiveness and the chance to change our lives and renew our relationship with God is not limited to a one time deal at our baptism. Our baptism which makes us children of God, allows us an unlimited supply of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Deep down within each of us, we want to be accepted by God for who we are. Today, splash your face with water, dance in the rain, jump in the pool, and melt snow in your hands because you have been forgiven. You are a child of God, and you are loved. Don’t believe me, just ask Jesus.