It was customary in this time for kings to send a messenger ahead to make sure the roads were clear ahead of him and announce the soon coming of the king to the people, who would prepare themselves for the kings arrival. Although Jesus was not a typical king, John the Baptist was used by God as a messenger to preach repentance to the people so that they would prepare their hearts for the arrival of the Messiah. Quoting from Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, Mark records the prophecy about this messenger, “Behold, I send a messenger before your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’” Of course this four hundred year old prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist. Mark also details that “John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission [forgiveness] of sins” (1:4). John’s ministry was one calling Israel to repentance for their sin and disobedience of God. Some have understood that John the Baptist taught water baptism as a necessity for salvation; however, Scripture clearly teaches that no work in necessary for salvation to take place. How do we reconcile this? I believe in ancient times and even into the early church era, repentance of sin and baptism went hand in hand. In other words, when a person recognized their sinfulness before God they immediately confessed their sin and were baptized in water to symbolize the washing away of sin. The act of baptism does not bring salvation but should be the natural result of those who have confessed their sin before a holy God. Mark details that the people responded to John’s message of repentance and writes, “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins” (1:5). Confession of sin is simply an agreement with God that a person’s sin is against Him and causes separation from God. Without that acknowledgment, a person cannot be restored to God. Since Jesus had not yet died for the sins of all mankind, the people were repenting of sin and looked forward in faith to the promised One, whom they did not know at this point. Salvation has always been by faith.
John’s message to his listeners is recorded here by Mark, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (1:7-8). At some point in John’s ministry, Jesus shows up and John baptizes Him (1:9). Although Jesus did not need to be baptized, He set an example for mankind and identified Himself with sinners. His baptism was symbolic of His future death, burial, and resurrection. John’s baptism probably had its foundation in Old Testament cleansing rituals whereas Christian baptism identifies the person with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. Immediately following Jesus’ baptism, God the Father proclaimed pleasure with His Son’s actions and sent a dove (Holy Spirit) symbolizing His empowerment for ministry. People often overlook baptism as a necessary part of their Christian life, but it is healthy for us to remember that Jesus Himself was baptized evidencing His submission to the Father’s will. Although baptism is not required for salvation, I believe it is the first step in spiritual growth. When we are baptized, we are identifying ourselves with the sufferings of Christ for our sin, but also His resurrection power which enables us to be effective in ministry for Him.
Dear God, help me to see the significance of baptism in a fresh, new way. Thank You for setting an example for us to follow.
