John's Baptism

We get straight into the topic of John’s Baptism. First of all, we need to get some facts clear, settled and correct in our minds about John’s baptism. As much as we know loads about this baptism, since most of us would claim this in some means or measure, it is necessary to revisit this and understand more clearly about its function.

We need to have the spirit and truth of John’s baptism made clear in us, even us who claim his baptism, that our lives show its working truth. We also need to be clear about it for those who are preparing and planning for this baptism, to assist them in this response. 

As we pursue this course of receiving, let us always remember that John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism are different. Let us keep ever in mind that both are not the same and though they may occur together, they are not the same in form and function, nor are they the same in purpose and produce. It is as the sun and the rain, for example.

Both sun and rain are of God, however, you and I know that they are different in form and function, as the form of the sun allows it to stay put in its high place and give light to all. On the other hand, the rain does not stay put, in that it falls down to earth and gives water to all. In addition, the purpose of the falling rain is to wet things, for example, whereas the purpose of the shining sun is to dry things.

Interestingly though, both these works of God can occur simultaneously, though none replaces the other. What I mean is this. You and I have witnessed on several occasions, while the rain is falling and falling heavily at that, the sun is shining away as brilliantly as ever. The point being made is that the baptism of Jesus and the baptism of John are uniquely different, though they sometimes do occur simultaneously.   

With this objective before us, here are some passages of Scripture which give adequate information about John’s baptism. May we be given Spirit-filled hearing to not just read them as Scripture passages we know, but to be able to hear them with Spirit-working power to move us to the true living of one who has been baptized.

We join Jesus and Nicodemus, one of Israel’s teachers, in a most vital, life-altering and life-pursuing word. Jesus is speaking to a Pharisee, a man of law and letters, a faithful and law-abiding believer in God, who is absolutely clueless and ignorant about the requirements for entrance into God’s Kingdom. Pay specific attention to how Jesus speaks of both His baptism and John’s baptism. Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3: 5b. There it is, clear and plain for us, as clear as sun and rain. John’s baptism is one that is born of water.

We now turn to John himself and feed on what he explains to his disciples, followers and all within hearing range. May you and I be included in those who are within hearing range.  

When the crowds who had come to John the Baptizer, to hear him preach and to be baptized by him, began to wonder seriously, in their hearts, whether or not John was the Christ, John immediately responded. He was quick to let them know that he was not the promised Christ. To show this Divine difference, John used baptism. Is this not something huge to treasure? The one way John used to tell, convince and show his disciples and followers that he was not the Messiah, the Christ, was to hold up his baptism against Messiah’s baptism. John told them the obvious about himself. John answered them all, I baptize you with water. Luke 3: 16a. Remember, these were all people, the majority, if not all of them, who knew John, followed his teachings and were baptized by him. John then informs them that when the one who is more powerful than he is, comes, this is what will happen. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Luke 3: 16b. John has made it quite clear that his baptism is a water baptism unto repentance, as is stated in Matthew 3: 11a. I baptize you with water for repentance. Indeed it is a baptism for repentance.

At Pentecost when people, after hearing Peter’s Spirit-filled sermon, were convicted to their hearts and wanted to know what to do, Peter spoke to them about being baptized. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2: 38. Peter, himself filled with the baptism of Jesus, can only speak what is fitting, right and true for these convicted hearts. What is even more encouraging and lasting is that Peter’s word is still the best and most change-producing answer to the question of each spirit-convicted heart. Repent! Receive John’s baptism! Receive Jesus’ baptism!

Is this not holding you? Aren’t you being made to ponder more about John’s baptism and how imperative it is for life in the Kingdom of God? Are you not being made more aware of this? Both John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism are needed in the life of a truly genuine servant of our Lord. I am so captured by all that we are receiving, there is a thirst for more. Are you experiencing the same need? If you are, here is great news.

We shall continue being enlightened and enlivened, tomorrow.