Following Jesus in Baptism
"Follow Me." (Mark 1:17)
This is Jesus' simple and yet profound call to live with Him, live like Him, and live for Him. This is more than an invitation to merely walk behind him. This is no casual game of "follow the leader" like we played it as kids. This is a life-altering and identity-shaping command unlike any other. And there is one act of obedience that captures and illustrates this change best: baptism.
Far from casual, or even optional, being baptized is arguably the single-most meaningful way we publicly declare that we belong to Him! In addition, it is frequently described as the first step of obedience for new believers throughout the Gospels and the book of Acts. Consider the symbolism of believer's baptism...
As the believer voluntarily wades into the waters, it illustrates how we were made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5) – we were brought to a realization of our sin and our need for a Savior. And in His kindness, He offers His sinless life for ours!
As the believer is submerged under the water, it illustrates how we were crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) and buried with Christ in His death (Romans 6:4) – we are forgiven and our sin has been sufficiently paid for by Christ's suffering and death on our behalf.
And As the believer is raised out of the water (not primarily by their own strength), it illustrates how they were raised with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), spiritually to walk in the newness of life by the Spirit, and one day bodily unto eternal life.
Yes, baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward change that has already been made by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And while it is symbolic, it is a deeply meaningful and powerful step of obedience for the believer! This is why we clap and cheer and worship when someone is raised out of the water!
The best part is Jesus isn't asking us to do what He hasn't already done - He never does! He didn't even need to be baptized (from a moral perspective), but He did it fulfill the Scriptures about Him and the law for all God's people. He accepted John's baptism of repentance even though He had not sin. He endured a brutal death and a lonely burial even though He was perfectly innocent. And He was raised to Heaven, where He deserved to stay all along. What humility! What love! What power!
So, have you followed Jesus in baptism?