“Lessons From The Baptism Of The Son Of God!”

“Lessons From The Baptism Of The Son Of God!”(Mk.1:9-11).
Leading by example is a farfetched cry in our generation. Leaders compel their subjects to do what they themselves would not do.
The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is an example of leading by example. John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus was without sin, so why did he go for baptism? This is a question that has been raised even in New Testament times. John the Baptist raised this worry(Mt.3:14-15).“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” To assail John’s worry Jesus replied,“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.”
When this righteousness was fulfilled, and “as Jesus was coming out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'”
For Jesus to ask John to baptize him was a mark of humility and obedience which pleased the Father because it showed that the Son will fulfil his mission without being haughty.
At that moment God empowered the Son with the Holy Spirit who descended on him like a dove. The Holy Spirit looking like a dove symbolized the Spirit’s gentleness, purity and guilessness.
As disciples of Jesus Christ God shows his approval when we shelve our pride, lower our ego and do what is below our dignity and which may even humiliate us. One can imagine how the baptism of Jesus was the talk of the town, with many mocking him for claiming to be Son of God yet receiving a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
By his baptism Jesus identified himself with the sin and failure of humanity, though he did not need to repent or to be forgiven of any sin. He did it because of me; he did it because of you! He did it as an example for us!
What lesson do we draw from Jesus going for baptism? You may be justified in not wanting to do certain assignments that belittle your dignity, just do it all the same so as to fulfil all righteousness. And the Father will seal you with the Holy Spirit as his mark of approval.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ thank you for teaching us to lead by example. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev. Babila Fochang.