Was Jesus baptized with the baptism of repentance? I went to a baptism in Germany as a high-schooler and heard a famous radio preacher say, “Jesus was baptized with the baptism of repentance.” Jesus was baptized by John, but he had no reason to repent. So why was he baptized? “To fulfill all righteousness,” Jesus explained to his reluctant cousin. Jesus would leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of the Father’s will. The Father expressed his approval by speaking up at the baptism. We also see the Holy Spirit showing up at the baptism, descending like a dove.
I have walked into the Jordan in the same area where John baptized Jesus. Fish swam around in the frigid water as we baptized a number of believers there. Most were remembering their commitment to Christ. One was baptized for the first time. Do you remember your baptism? What were you saying? What did it mean to you? Paul would later remind the Christians in Rome that we are buried with Christ by baptism into his death so that as Christ was raised we too are raised to walk a brand-new life.
Last week I read about a pastor who led his people into the Jordan. The last candidate did not want to be sprinkled as a remembrance. He had never been baptized so he asked to be immersed. As he emerged from the water, nuns from Egypt and Lebanon began to sing Amazing Grace just yards away in the country of Jordan. Believers from around the world celebrated the baptism of a new brother in Christ as he was baptized in the same water where his Lord was baptized. Every time you see a baptism remember your commitment to Christ and give thanks for the new life we have in Jesus.