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unchanging: Baptism
Daily Devotions for April 28-May 2
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"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'"
Acts 2:38
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MONDAY, April 28
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Last week we looked at the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, which is a symbol of the crucifixion. Jesus told His disciples to remember Him through the taking of the bread and drinking of the cup. This week we look at another symbolic act and the second ordinance of the church, baptism. Baptism is a picture of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. We participate in it as an act of obedience to God. We begin this week by reading the story of Jesus' baptism. Read Matthew 3. We can see from these words that baptism did not originate with the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist was baptizing even before Christ. According to these verses, what was the difference between the baptism by John and baptism by Jesus?
What was John's reaction to Jesus' request to be baptized by John?
Why did Jesus want to be baptized?
How did God the Father respond to Christ's baptism?
Pray today that God would give you a deeper understanding of this symbol. If you have never been baptized, pray that you would be willing to be obedient to be baptized as Jesus was.
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TUESDAY, April 29
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Yesterday, we looked at Jesus' baptism. It was an act of obedience to the Father. Today, we will read the verses immediately following the story of His baptism. Read Matthew 4:1-11. While these verses may not be about baptism, they are very significant in relation to the baptism of Jesus. This sequence of events is viewed as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry that would ultimately lead to His crucifixion. What was the first thing that happened after Jesus was baptized?
This journey into the desert with the devil is not the first thing that comes to mind about what might follow Jesus' baptism. What do you think this desert journey tells us about the significance of Jesus' baptism?
What does this say about the importance of baptism for you?
It is interesting to see that spiritual high points are often followed with the greatest trials. How have you found this to be true in your spiritual journey?
Our identification with Christ through baptism prepares us to serve and persevere through the trials of life. Pray today that even as Jesus was sustained in the desert, God would sustain you as you walk with Christ.
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WEDNESDAY, April 30
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From the verses we have read in Matthew, we have seen that baptism is a vital part of ministry. Jesus' ministry years began with His baptism, and it is no less important for us to follow Christ's example. When we are obedient to baptism, we are signaling our trust in Jesus and identifying ourselves as being a part of God's family. I have heard it said that in our baptism, we preach our first sermon. Through our baptism, we boldly declare the Good News of Jesus. In fact, baptism was a key part of the Great Commission of Christ. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What commands did Jesus give the disciples in these verses? (List the verbs.)
It doesn't seem like baptism is optional in this command. It was important to Jesus that those who believed in Him would be baptized. How can this command to be baptized be a bigger part of your witness as a follower of Christ?
Pray today that you would be obedient to the Great Commission. Ask God for the opportunity to encourage someone to identify with Christ through baptism.
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THURSDAY, May 1
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From the Great Commission yesterday, we heard Jesus' call to baptize believers. Today we will read one of the wonderful stories of baptism. Read Acts 8:26-40. Isn't that amazing? Describe how Philip obeyed the Great Commission.
What was the Ethiopian Eunuch doing that peaked his curiosity about Jesus?
Read verses 36-38 again. How do you suppose the Ethiopian Eunuch knew to ask about being baptized?
Upon seeing the water, the Ethiopian Eunuch asks, "Why shouldn't I be baptized?" It seems that often times we ask the opposite question, "Why should I be baptized?" Maybe you have never been baptized. What is keeping you from this important act of obedience? Today, your prayer may be for yourself or someone you know who needs to have the urgency of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
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FRIDAY, May 2
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I hope this week you have been reminded of or introduced to the importance of baptism. It is an important part of our obedience to Christ and identification with Him. As we complete the week, read Romans 6:1-10. These verses illustrate the symbolism of baptism. What do these verses teach us about baptism?
How does baptism symbolize a change in our lives?
What other insights have you gained about baptism this week?
List any next steps you are compelled to take as a result of what you have learned this week.
Pray today that God would prepare your heart to receive the truth of His word this Sunday.
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Brian Hogan
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
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