When Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, he approached John to be baptized by him. John found Christ’s request unacceptable, saying that he was the one who needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus answered John that they should do this to fulfill all righteousness. John baptized the Lord, and when Jesus came up out of the waters, the skies opened up and John saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus is the true beloved Son of the Father.

Christian baptism expresses our union with Christ. In Romans 6, Paul makes explicit that we die with Christ and are buried with him as we descend into the waters. We are raised with him as we come out of the waters, and with him have ascended and are seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

We affirm, Lord Jesus, that with you we have died to sin and are raised to a new and eternal life.

Yet their intention seems to be to give expression to the true meaning implicit in the sacrificial rituals, insisting that prayer and praise, repentance, confession and obedience, are the essential requirements of God. Worshippers are asked to admit that they cannot give God anything to satisfy his needs and yet he is to be honoured by every expression of faith, gratitude and obedience. What is required of those who would come into God’s presence is purity of heart and life (e.g. Pss. 15; 24; 119).

~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. pp. 45-46.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Behold the Lamb of God, John 1.29-42

Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God