Jesus Baptizes

Mark 1:8

“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In this passage, John the Baptist was speaking of Jesus Who would come after him. Similar passages are in Matthew 3:11, and Luke 3:16. He was distinguishing his baptism of repentance from the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus would bring.

In John 4:2, we learn that Jesus did not baptize believers in water, rather His disciples did this. I have often wondered if Jesus did this intentionally so that His Baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire (see March 14) would be set apart from baptism into the faith?

At age 12, I was baptized in water but I don’t think I got anything except wet. Can you relate?

In prison, I wanted to announce my inward profession of faith by the outward act of baptism as an indication to myself and others that I was willing to be held accountable for my decision to commit my life to Christ.

I had truly repented of my sin and was ready to turn away from sinful habits. Baptism in water that time resulted in an inward knowing that I was really saved. Yet, I still struggled with sin in some areas.

It wasn’t until I asked Jesus to baptize me with His Holy Spirit that I began to feel empowered to actually turn from sin, and resist the many temptations the devil brought my way.

Have you received this power?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell the Father you want Jesus to baptize you so that you are empowered to resist temptation, and can be purified with the Refiner’s fire.

Dive Deeper: Study Mark 1; Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; John 4:2.