After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John 3:22 NABRE
Jesus and His disciples head to Judea, south of where John the Baptist baptized in the Jordan, they spend time in Judea baptizing. Is Jesus baptizing or just His disciples, it is not clear, but Jesus generally doesn’t ask anyone to do something He wouldn’t do Himself. John 4:2 specifically says. “Jesus Himself was not baptizing, just His disciples.” Baptism is seen as repentance in the days of Jesus. John the Baptist began baptizing people before Jesus public ministry. John would submerge people in the Jordan river, enacting out a dying and raising up in a new life. The physical act allowed people to declare they are changing their lives and moving in a new direction. Jesus and His disciples continue this baptism of repentance. We can read other places (Matthew 3:16-17) Jesus is baptized by John and receives an anointing by God and the Holy Spirit. The Jews use ritual acts to demonstrate a commitment to faith and God. Jesus is preannounced to John the Baptist, He is the One with whom the Spirt comes down, remaining (c.f. John 1:33) and providing Jesus the means of baptizing with the Holy Spirit. Christians today have made two rituals; baptism as a right of initiation into the faith and conformation an anointing of the Holy Spirit who provides many gifts and graces.
Jesus finds many ways to interact with the people. He is very hands on, baptizing, anointing, healing and blessing. His mode of spreading God’s word is not followed as much today in formal church life. But Jesus’ message depends on His followers living in such a way that others see they are baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Are you open to receive the Holy Spirit from Jesus? Can you share Jesus’ message?
Jesus finds many ways to interact with the people. He is very hands on, baptizing, anointing, healing and blessing. Jesus’ message depends on His followers living in such a way that others see they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #spirit #baptize #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways