January 5, 2010
Matthew 3
Pastor Jason Yon
One of my favorite things as a pastor is to baptize children. I love to listen to their use of words as they tell us about their new relationship with Jesus or share a scripture verse.
In Matthew 3, we see the report of Jesus’ baptism, done so that he could identify with us and set an example for us to follow. He did not need to be baptized because of any sin that required repentance, but it took place so that he could validate John’s ministry and set an example for every believer.
When we are baptized, we declare to the world the change that has happened in our spiritual lives - we have died to sin, and have new life in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Baptism is an outward symbol of what has happened already in our hearts.
If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have never been baptized, I encourage you to be obedient to God’s direction and follow Jesus’ lead.
Jason Yon oversees birth-5th grade children’s ministries and directs the “Winner’s Circle” ministry to kindergarten-2nd graders.
