DJD328 - John's Baptism

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Scripture: 

Ephesians 4:4-6

Starting Question:

What does this verse reveal about God and His desire for the World? What can we do to make it a reality?

John's Baptism

** Continued from John's Message yesterday **

“What should we do?” a young man at the front of the crowd shouted.

“If you have two coats,” John lowered his hands, showing the stones to the crowd. Then he threw one into the middle of the river, “Give one to someone who needs it. Do the same thing with food. Share. Have you been guilty of hoarding? Change. Be baptized today for the repentance of your sins!” A few people stepped forward and John baptized them.

A well-known tax collector stepped into the water. People hushed. “I wish to be baptized, what must I do?” 

John placed his hand on the man’s shoulder and said, “Only take what is allotted to you. Do not steal.” Then he lowered the man into the water. 

Vast hoards of people flocked to John, being baptized. Each asked what they must do and each left the water repentant, cleansed and challenged. 

John addressed the crowd again, “There is one coming whose sandals I am unfit to remove! I baptize with water, He will baptize with the Spirit of God!”

A young man in a plain robe stepped into the water. John’s voice wavered and cut off. Everyone watched in silent wonder as the man waded out to John.

“I wish to be baptized,” the man said. 

“I need to be baptized by you!” John whispered.

“This is right, all must be fulfilled,” the man said.

John nodded, placed his hand on the man’s head and lowered him into the water. As the man came up from the water a voice boomed through the air, “You are my Son! I love you and am deeply pleased by you!” A dove swooped down from the sky and rested on his head. A gasp of recognition rippled through the crowd. 

John turned to the people, “Behold, the Lamb who comes to take away the sins of the world.”
Jesus smiled and walked into the crowd.

Reflection Question:

God loves the world so much that the Father sent his Son to save it and the Spirit continues working on people’s hearts today. How does this affect the way you interact with the world?

Prayer time:

Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today?