Something surprising if you think on it for a few minutes: Jesus, the Son of God, was baptized.
Surprising because if He’s perfect and sinless, why did He need it? Was He just checking a box, like, “This is what good people do”?
Well, no. There’s more to it, and it’s directly connected to your life.
When Jesus stepped into the Jordan River, John the Baptist was stunned. He was likely thinking, “You want ME to baptize YOU? Shouldn’t this be flipped?” But Jesus doesn’t argue, and instead He steps into the water.
Why?
Because He’s setting the tone. He’s saying, “I’m in this with you. I’m not above you, even though I could be. I’m here to walk the road you’re walking.”
He’s literally walking the walk.
He didn’t just preach from a distance; He showed up, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, to show us what real leadership and love look like.
What’s This Have to Do With You?
Baptism is more than a religious tradition. As a collective, we’ve downplayed the role of Baptism in our faith over the years. But remembering that Baptism is about identity and transformation might help us realign the importance of this sacrament:
- We’re not just washing away sins (though it does that). We’re saying, “I belong to something bigger than myself.” You’re not just you anymore; you’re part of God’s family.
- It’s not just a ritual; it’s a commitment. It’s the moment you’re saying, “I’m all in.”
And something pretty nifty is that the same symbols we see at a baptism show up at the end of life, too. When someone passes, the priest sprinkles holy water over the casket—calling back to baptism. The white garment placed on a baby is echoed by the pall draped over the casket. The Paschal candle that lit the baptismal candle burns again, symbolizing the light of Christ leading them home.
Not just for babies or churchgoers, your marking your life—start to finish—with purpose and connection.
What’s the Big Takeaway?
Jesus didn’t need baptism. We did. And He got in the water to show us that:
- You’re not alone in your struggles.
- You’re part of something way bigger.
- Your life—every messy, amazing, chaotic part of it—matters.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
Baptism isn’t just a one-time moment. It’s the beginning of something that shapes your whole life. So, how is that playing out for you?
If you’re baptized, are you living like someone who’s been claimed by God? Not in a perfect, got-it-all-together way, but in a way that’s open to growth, connection, and purpose. If it feels like you’ve drifted, maybe it’s time to reconnect—whether that’s through prayer, getting involved in your parish, or simply being intentional about where God fits into your life right now.
If you’re not baptized or you’re not sure where you stand, this might be your moment to think about it. What’s stopping you from taking that step? And what might your life look like if you did?
Jesus didn’t just get baptized to check a box—He did it to lead the way for us. His baptism was a reminder that change, belonging, and a fresh start are always possible.
The question is: what’s your next step?
God Bless.
-FF