Baptize My Disciples

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV). There are several commands given here, but the one we will focus on is about baptism. Water baptism is a public statement that you are a believer in Jesus Christ and symbolizes three things: you have died with Jesus Christ to your old self, you have risen with Jesus Christ to become a new creature in Christ, and you are incorporating your life into a body of believers to serve God as he leads you.

Why are we to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? All three were involved at the baptism of Jesus. The Holy Spirit came as a dove, the Father spoke from heaven, and Jesus was baptized. We are to identify with each person in faith, service, worship, and obedience. In using all three names, we confirm the trinity and our relationship to each person of the trinity.

Prayer

Father, it is clear from Acts that each believer is to be baptized and by command of Jesus, we are to be a witness. Baptism is to be a public witness of our identity with Jesus Christ. This conformation can in some areas of persecution result in death. Father, I find that many who resist baptism also resist being a witness of their faith in Jesus. It appears to me that in refusing baptism one is confirming that convenience and apparent embarrassment have greater influence that obedience to God. Father, show mercy to those who resist and encourage them to obedience.

See "The Commands of Jesus" Index to view other commands.