In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. - Luke 3:1-3
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:21-22
... John was preaching a baptism of repentance. In the Greek it's the word metanoia, which means a change of mind, a change of heart. It's more than that in Scripture. It's a transformation of the entire person reaching way back in scripture the underlying Hebrew concept is t'shuva meaning turning or returning. It's this idea of not just turning away from sin, but also turning toward God.
Greg Holder
Consider
This is the beginning of the public ministry of the Anointed One, Messiah, the King of all Kings, Son of the most high God who is dripping with the delight of God the Father and empowered by the spirit of God. The King is here and his kingdom begins now. The world will never be the same. - Greg Holder
Reflect
1) Jesus, in the Jordan, identifies with us and our sins during his baptism by John the Baptist. What are you thoughts on this?
2) If you've been baptized, since becoming a follower of Christ, tell your group about your memories of that moment.
3) Why is it important that we say yes in baptism to a watching world? Why can't it just be private?
4) If you have not been baptized as a follower of Jesus are you ready to take that step?
Do
If you have questions about baptism please contact us at pastors@thecrossing.church. We'd love to talk.
If you're ready to be baptized signup at the crossing.church/baptism
Go Deeper
Have you and your group considered serving together at "For The Lou". If so go to the crossing.church/forthelou to learn more!