While in earthly form, Yeshua set an example for us. The fact that He chose to be baptized, and that it occurred as an adult and not an infant, shows us the way. Infants do not understand. They can not choose to follow YHWH. Those who are more mature can make that decision and it means something. He was already pleasing to the Father before baptism, but the Father reaffirmed it to all. The baptism took place before Yeshua began His ministry. It took place before Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. It is a milestone where we affirm publicly that we submit to and follow our Father and Creator.
We can also reflect that it reminds us to die to our old selves and rise again in new life, as a new person. This is important for us to do if we are to fully serve Him. It must be more than going through the motions, but clearly by Yeshua’s example we see that the physical act also has significance, or why would He have done it and recorded it in multiple gospels. Keep in mind that baptism was not the end goal or the defining step. It was one step taken before devoting His life in service to the LORD.
If we get baptized but do not change our behaviors and attitudes to seek after Yeshua, then we have missed the point entirely and it is simply a “check box” religious action. Yeshua wants so much more from us and for us!
The Baptism of Jesus
13Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. 16After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, 17and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
Have you made a decision to fully submit to the Father? Have you publicly affirmed your decision through baptism? If a child has been baptized young, but wants to do it again as they mature to reaffirm their commitment, I would encourage you to support them. Seek out godly counsel if you want to learn more about baptism or desire to be baptized. Godly counsel may or may not be inside of a traditional church setting, so don’t constrain yourself. Look around for those that are living submitted to the LORD where you can see their fruit and start there. Of course you can also contact us via our website Contact Us page. We love to hear from you.
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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.