Summer At Sea: Week 9 Day 6

Acts 2:37-41

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

This story takes place directly following the sending of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. We see that the baptism of repentance is referenced once again. This introduction to repentance we saw from John the Baptist, when he completed his work of “Preparing the way” (Matthew 3). People’s hearts were familiar with repentance and being washed clean, but Peter expanded this idea, declaring that they would receive the Holy Spirit after believing in God.

As we come to the end of this week's devotions, we are left with a question. If people who sin were baptized to repent and be filled with the Holy Spirit, why was Jesus baptized if He never sinned? Well, we can see two reasons. First, Jesus always led by example. The washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), and even His sacrifice for others on the cross (Matthew 27:45-54). His baptism was an instruction on how to live, that He who knew no sin would demonstrate repentance for those who follow. Secondly, the Holy Spirit’s descent on Jesus is often considered God the Father's Spiritual Anointing to begin His ministry. Jesus demonstrated that His baptism, like the baptism of believers today, is only the beginning of a life of faith; a life lived entirely for God.