Judea--the region of Israel during Jesus' time included an area north of Jerusalem, south just past the Gaza and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead Sea and the Jordan River on the east. On a map we can see that there are several rivers in that area just west of Jerusalem that drain into the Mediterranean Sea or it could be that Jesus baptized His disciples in the Jordan River. Where ever it was doesn't matter as much as the fact that He did baptize them. Baptism is an outward indication of repentance. Jesus did not baptize many people. He was baptized by John in the Jordan River...In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9. We note that He taught His disciples to baptize. Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John, although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were....John 4:1-2. Jesus' teaching encouraged people to change their ways and they repented of their sins. And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and He was staying there. John 10:40 His teaching are still the same today...and the message is still the same. Repent and be baptized. Repent--admit and confess of the wrong things we've done in our lives...thoughts and actions.
RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to "repent." Will you respond to His invitation, admit to your faults, change your ways...including your thoughts, actions, and attitudes...and become a follower of Jesus? If you are already following Him, will you rededicate your life to Him...or respond to His call by following His direction for your life?
Prayer~ Dear Jesus, I hear Your call. Help me to respond in a positive way. Cleanse my heart and fill me with Your Holy Spirit.
© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
No comments:
Post a Comment