Baptism

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Devotion:

Baptism is one of the most significant acts in the life of a believer, and Matthew 28:18-20 provides profound insight into its meaning and purpose. In these verses, we hear Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, commanding them to go into all nations, making disciples, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This passage, often referred to as the Great Commission, lays the foundation for the church’s mission and the importance of baptism within the Christian faith.

At the heart of Jesus’ command is His declaration of authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Before sending His disciples out, Jesus reassures them that He is sovereign over all creation. This authority gives weight to His instructions and assures us that baptism is not a mere tradition, but a divine mandate. It is an act of obedience that aligns us with Jesus’ will and connects us with the very heart of God’s plan for redemption.

Baptism is both symbolic and transformative. It represents our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. When we are baptized, we publicly declare that we have died to our old way of life and have been raised to new life in Him. This outward act reflects an inward reality—a heart changed by the grace of God and a life committed to following Jesus. Baptism is not the end of our journey; instead, it marks the beginning of a lifelong process of discipleship.

Jesus’ command to “make disciples” is inseparable from the command to baptize. Discipleship is not simply about learning information; it is about transformation. Jesus tells us to teach new believers to obey all that He has commanded. Baptism, therefore, is an entry point into a community of faith where teaching, accountability, and growth take place. It signifies belonging—not only to Christ but to His body, the church.

Furthermore, baptism is a communal celebration. It is done in the presence of witnesses, affirming the work of God in the life of the baptized and inviting the community to participate in their spiritual journey. The words spoken during baptism—“in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”—remind us of the Trinity’s involvement in our salvation. We are embraced by the loving presence of God the Father, the redeeming work of Jesus the Son, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Jesus offers a comforting promise: “And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Baptism is not simply a one-time event, but the beginning of a relationship in which Jesus is present every step of the way. His presence sustains us, guides us, and reassures us when challenges arise. We are never alone; we are part of an unbroken fellowship with our Savior, empowered to live out the calling He has placed on our lives.

As we reflect on baptism through the lens of Matthew 28:18-20, let us remember that it is a sacred act of obedience, a public declaration of faith, and an invitation into a lifelong journey of discipleship. May we embrace this calling with joy and gratitude, knowing that Jesus is with us always, and that through baptism, we are united with Him and with one another in love and purpose. Amen.