As we enter into the a season of Following Jesus Then and Now we want to take a critical look at one of the more inspiring and challenging elements of Jesus’ early ministry – His baptism. We read these words in the gospel of Mark:
Mark 1:9-11
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
The baptism of Jesus is an event that occurs in all four gospels, making it a prominent and significant story for us to pay attention to. While we, in the American Church, tend to see baptism as an optional element of our faith (something we do when we “get around to it”) there is a deeper significance to it and our faith journeys. Throughout the history of the church – baptism has been an important part of Following Jesus. That is because of what occurs in the life of Jesus both at the beginning of his ministry (marked by baptism) and the end of his ministry (emphasizing baptism).
Baptism was, for Jesus, the inauguration of his ministry. It was also the inauguration for the launching of the church. Jesus commissioned his first followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19-20) and that process starts with baptism. Effectively, Jesus prioritizes baptism as the beginning of our pursuit of his ways and kingdom life.
In our first episode of the “Jesus: Following Him Then and Now” podcast – Kevin Pike, Senior Pastor of the Fearless Family of Churches, and Josh Zoerhof, Teaching and Chaplaincy Pastor of the Fearless Family of Churches, explore why the emphasis of baptism in the life of Jesus is so important for our lives.
