Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized there by John. John didn’t want to do it. “This isn’t proper,” he said. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.” But Jesus said, “Please do it, for I must do all that is right.” So then John baptized him. After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him.” Matthew 3:13-17 (TLB)
One of the more enjoyable services at Southwood is one that includes a baptism. Unfortunately for those of us who attend the 8:30 service, baptisms are less frequent than those for later services. The lack of 8:30 baptisms probably is due to the fact that most baptisms are of infants, often a few weeks old. And the 8:30 attendees tend to be more “mature” families whose children have long passed the age of baptism for most Lutherans. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see these infants and their families participating in this ancient church practice. Plus we each are once again reminded of the important role baptism plays in our lives.
Most of us were baptized as infants especially if we are Lutherans or belonged to one of the other Christian denominations who practice infant baptism. I was baptized at the age of one year plus a month and a half. This happened in the First Methodist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Why I was not baptized sooner is an unknown since I was not really aware of the baptism until later in life and I never thought to ask my parents. My mother, on the other hand, was baptized by full immersion in a pond in rural Wyoming at about 12 years of age. She was a member of the First Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church at that time (about 1920). Obviously churches have different practices when it comes to many things including baptism. The First Christian Church uses immersion based on Christ’s own baptism (Rev. Carol Devine, Providence Christian Church, Nicholasville, KY online at http://providenceccdoc.org/baptism/) That church also believes that one should be able to understand their baptism; therefore, they follow the concept of “believer's baptism” which means they baptize when a person is old enough to understand. However, according to the cited article, they do accept members with all forms of baptism without requiring a person to be re-baptized. Pastor Devine did point out that some churches require baptism only by their church for membership. The bottom line is that there is no universal method of baptism; however, baptism of infants appears to be the most prevalent. But it seems to me that baptism at any age is valid and is to be celebrated.
Why did Jesus have John baptize him instead of the other way around? Jesus had John baptize him to help accomplish God’s mission and launch His ministry. (NIV- Study Bible, p.1532). Jesus was “confessing sin on behalf of the nation…”, and showing support for John’s work (NIV-Study Bible, p. 1532). While we as ELCA Lutherans do not believe that salvation requires baptism, it is still one of our two Holy Sacraments. It shows the power of God to bestow on the receiver a cleansing that will last a lifetime. It also represents a beginning of our life as a Christian and the hope of everlasting life. The next time you enjoy a baptism, remember your own even if it occurred when you were an infant.
Questions for Reflection:
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Do you see baptism as a beginning for your life as a Christian?
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Do you believe there is only one way to properly do baptism? If so, why?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Help me recognize Holy Baptism as an important part of my faith journey. May I understand its need and may I also encourage others to participate in this Holy Sacrament where we believe God is present and delivering invisible Grace to the recipient. Amen
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