Jesus Gets Baptized | Study Guide
Broxton Gannon
Part of The Story of Jesus—Lessons from the Gospel of Mark
August 13, 2024

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Jesus Gets Baptized

Pastor Ray Jones

August 11, 2024

Insights + Takeaways

Baptism and the Identification of the Son
Baptism serves as a public declaration of one’s faith and identification with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes repentance and aligns believers with Christ’s teachings and example, emphasizing immersion as the biblical method of baptism. This public act of obedience is crucial in demonstrating commitment to God’s will and the gospel message of repentance, just as Jesus affirmed through His own baptism.

Baptism and the Coronation of the Spirit
Baptism symbolizes the coronation of the Spirit, marking the start of Jesus’ public ministry and highlighting the connection between obedience to God and receiving His power. To experience the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives, we must obey God’s Word and fully surrender to His will, allowing the Spirit to preside over us. This obedience to God enables us to live and serve in His strength rather than relying on our own.

Baptism and the Affirmation of the Father.
Baptism represents the affirmation of the Father, as seen when God declared His pleasure with Jesus following His baptism. This act of obedience brought both God’s power and His pleasure, demonstrating the connection between obeying God and receiving His positive affirmation. For believers, baptism is the initial step of obedience, and continued obedience to God leads to His joy and pleasure in our lives. In times of turmoil, obedience to God provides peace and joy, regardless of the circumstances.

Key Passages

Mark 1:9-11
Acts 2:41
John 14:15-17
Matthew 10:32-33

Highlights

Baptism is not the act of our repentance, it is the illustration of our repentance. —Bro. Ray

There is a connection between our obedience to God and the power of God. If you want the power of God on your life, you’ve got to obey the Word of God. The problem for many Christians that aren’t living in the power of God is because they have not obeyed God. —Bro. Ray

The way to understand the part of the Bible that you don’t understand is to start obeying the parts of the Bible that you do understand. —Bro. Ray

While baptism is not necessary for salvation, it is necessary for obedience. And obedience is necessary for a fruitful and joyful Christian life. —Bro. Ray

Discussion Questions

  1. How does Jesus’ obedience in baptism challenge or reinforce your understanding of following God’s commands?

  1. In what ways does obedience to God’s commands connect to experiencing His power and pleasure in our lives?

  1. What are some practical steps believers can take to move from simply having the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to being filled with and empowered by the Spirit?

  1. How might understanding the difference between the indwelling, filling, and anointing of the Holy Spirit impact a believer’s approach to ministry and daily life?

Personal Reflections

  1. What does obedience to God look like for you right now in your daily life?

  1. How is God calling you to make your faith more publicly visible in your community?

  1. What is your personal experience of baptism and what kind of impact has it had on your spiritual life?

Prayer Prompts

Lord Jesus, I pray that you would give me a heart of obedience and willingness to follow your commands. Please allow the Holy Spirit’s power to be evident and active in my life this week. Reveal to me any ways that I’ve struggled with disobedience to Your word and help me confess those to you. I ask these things in the name of Jesus, amen.

God, I pray for those fighting obedience to your call for baptism. I pray they would understand the importance of following Jesus in believer’s baptism and follow through on your command with boldness. In Jesus’ name, amen.