Matthew 3:13-17

Thoughts: The Untied Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments:  communion and baptism.  While members of the United Methodist Church may take communion hundreds of times throughout their lives, most of us are baptized only once.  Since our church accepts infant baptism, many of were baptized when we were babies.  We may have looked precious in heirloom christening gowns; we may have slept peacefully; we may have screamed our little hearts out.  But we have no conscious memories of our dedication to our Heavenly Father.Our baptism was, obviously, a choice made by our parents.  They made impressive promises –to teach us the meaning and purpose of this holy sacrament and the principles of our holy faith;

• to train us to give reverent attendance upon the public and private worship of God and the teachings of Holy Scripture;
• to lead us into the love of God and the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And the congregation attending the service in which our baptism took place promised to order their lives after the example of Christ and to surround us with steadfast love.
 No recorded ritual attended the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.  John protested that Jesus should baptize him, but Jesus insisted that John should baptize him.  When Jesus came up out of the water, the spirit of God descended upon Jesus like a dove, and God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  God is well pleased with every precious child who is brought into his house to be baptized.  May we all be confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Discussion:  Who baptized you?  When?  Where?
Activity:Pay close attention to the next baptism you witness.  Learn the child’s name and take a special interest in him/her, so that you may help to “bless, preserve, and keep” this child of God.
From Word at Home January 2011