pramsay posted on August 12, 2009 13:55 2063 views

The Baptism Protest

It was another one of those remarkable days in the ministry of John the Baptist. He had been causing a stir with his unusual preaching around the countryside. He just didn’t seem to fit with all the religiosity of the Pharisees. The long flowing robes were missing, as well as the refinement and pizzazz of the religious people. He lived in the rugged wilderness and wore camel hair for a covering strapped around by some leather. His message was definitely not the status quo or Establishment-sanctioned. He preached repentance!

Droves of people were coming out of the cities to listen and to see this man in action. Many were stirred by his message and were baptised, repenting of their sins and owning allegiance to the coming Messiah.

One day a remarkable scene unfolded. A young man stepped forward to be baptized. Others had been immersed in the River and John did not refuse them in any way. But just now, as people stood on their tip toes to see what was happening, John was trying to block this young man from being baptised. For what reason? Who could it be? What was his background? Was he of dubious character? Was he a mole for the Jewish Establishment or even a Roman spy?

But John urgently forbad (strenuously objected and resisted) Him, saying,

I have need to be baptised of thee; and comest thou to me?

But Jesus answering said to him,

Suffer it now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.

Then he suffers him. (John gave in, consented and baptised Jesus.)

And Jesus, having been baptised, went up straightway from the water,

and lo, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him: and behold, a voice out of the heavens saying,

This is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight.

(Matthew 3:14-17 JN Darby except for italics)

Why did John the Baptist strenuously object to baptizing Jesus? Be sure of this: it had nothing to do with anything questionable about Jesus. There was nothing dubious or dark about Him. John’s baptism symbolized repentance and he knew this Man had no sin and no need to repent. John felt so small in His Presence.

Jesus explained to John the Baptist: “No, I want to be baptized. It is only right and proper that we do ALL that pertains to righteousness and leave no room for questioning or criticism.” It also symbolized what He came to do – his death for sin, burial and resurrection.

John submitted and lowered Jesus into the Jordan, completely immersing Him, and then brought Him to the surface again.

As Jesus came up out of the water there was a supernatural occurrence. The Spirit of God descended as a dove. But that was not all. A voice from the sky said: “This is my beloved Son in whom I have found all my delight or with whom I am well pleased!” 

Do you have John’s humble attitude? Are you concerned about living a clean and righteous life? Have you obeyed the Lord by being baptised as a believer since you trusted Christ? Could the Lord announce from Heaven about your life: “I am very pleased with My child down there. She is delighting my heart with her obedience and submission.”

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ

Peter Ramsay

peter@heaven4sure.com

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