The Baptismal Waters
What is the significance of baptism? What can we learn about God through Jesus’ baptism? What is the significance of the baptismal waters?
God calls every believer to the waters of baptism. Jesus taught us to baptize in Matthew 28:19 saying, “So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus himself was obedient and was baptized.
Matthew’s Gospel tells us the significance of baptism and Jesus’ baptism. Matthew tells us, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:16-17, ESV).
When Jesus was baptized the Spirit of God descended upon him and the Holy Spirit of God rested upon him as God the Father affirmed that Jesus is his beloved.
Like Jesus, when we are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit and are affirmed that we are God’s beloved.
The baptismal waters are essential for every follower of Jesus. If Jesus was baptized and commanded us to baptize, we must be baptized and baptize others into the faith.
When we understand the essential nature of the baptismal waters and are obedient in baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit of God and are assured that we are God’s beloved.
Like Jesus, may we be baptized and baptize others, understanding the importance of the baptismal waters in receiving the Holy Spirit and being affirmed that we are God’s beloved.
A Collect for the First Sunday of Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord: “Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
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