JESUS - a Significant Life, Parts 3 and 4
A message shared by Pastor Rachel Hanna and Paul Gallagher at Empower Christian Church, Sunday 16 May, 2010:
Part 3 - Baptism (Pastor Rachel Hanna)
It can be daunting to be baptised, knowing that others are watching you make such a public declaration. But in looking into the importance and value of baptism, we learn so much about why it is so important for believers and followers of Christ.
Matthew 3 tells us about Jesus' baptism. Of course, nowhere does it explain what baptism was. That's because it was well understood during those times. It was, in fact, a part of the Jewish temple rituals, so no explanation was needed.
For our understanding, it's enlightening to be aware of different levels of washing involved in baptism of those times. The highest level focused on 'living water', for which Christ’s baptism is a wonderful and still relevant type.
Why did Jesus get baptised?
The baptism of Jesus was a sign that He was the Messiah, as predicted accurately by Daniel. Jesus’ baptism was, also significantly, witnessed by God the Father as well as the people of the time. It also was the first indicator of Jesus' coming death and resurrection. It was, additionally, the first time that He publicly identified Himself as the Saviour, an embodiment of the path to Heaven.
His baptism showed He was the hope for the world. See Matthew 28:1-20, where we read how Jesus instructed the disciples to go into the world and baptise.
Why should Christians be baptised?
We should be baptised because we mirror Jesus' action, setting ourselves aside as dedicated servants of God.
Baptism is also a representation of what God has done for us on the inside.
It importantly indicates what Jesus has done for us. We have a single,
permanent sacrifice in Jesus.
It is, very importantly, a celebration!
Part 4 - Beyond Baptism (Paul Gallagher)
Beyond baptism, we are called to follow Christ. Have a look at John 1:35-39, and take note of three very interesting statements made there about following Christ.
Firstly, Jesus asked 'What do you seek?'
Being a follower of Jesus means you're actually looking for something beyond belief. Belief is where you start. Following is where you go. Belief is what you first do, important as it is. Following is the step you take.
A believer is how you start. A follower is what you become. There's nothing wrong with believing. But notice how we often refer to ourselves as either Christians or believers. How often do we say followers?
In reply, the disciples asked 'Where are you staying?'
That's a great question... they didn't say, what's your view on this topic or that topic? They didn't ask 'how much do your books cost?' They didn't say, 'where's your video on YouTube?' They didn't ask 'where's your how-to-vote card?' They didn't even ask if he believed in climate change or not.
They asked a question that implied they would want to be in that same place. They wanted to be where Jesus is. And that's the question of a follower, not just a believer.
In His great answer, Jesus said, very simply, 'come and you will see'
He didn't sell a philosophy. Jesus invited the disciples into His life, where He was staying, into His journey, to witness His miracles... That's a call to follow.
It starts with belief... but it's more than checking out a guru... it's becoming a true, obedient, serving, effective, power-receiving follower.
Notice also, that the conversation - made up of three key sentences here in John's Gospel, began with questions, but ended with an answer
Now, the clincher... true followers make followers of others.
Have a look at the next section of this chapter in the Gospel of John 1:46. See how followers draw others to follow Jesus. The same language is even used.
When you follow Jesus, you’ll start walking like Him, behaving in honour of Him, and even talking like Him.
Today, make a decision to believe, and seek and follow Jesus.
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