Introduction:

A Sincere Request:

Assuming you have read my previous article titled "Baptism: Beyond the Ritual", if not, please read it before proceeding.

The Divine Act: John the Baptist's Call to Repentance:

John the Baptist encouraged people to truly repent, followed by the "Baptism of Water." This filled their hearts with an abundance of divine love, humility, compassion, endurance, peace, empathy, and a commitment to justice. By doing so, John straightened the path of the Lord God, which had become winding and treacherous due to people's unrighteousness. As stated in Luke 3:4-5:

"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him."
Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."

A Moment of Surprise: Jesus Opts for Baptism

A pivotal moment occurred while John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Lord. He was uniting people with God, revealing the law of liberation, and practicing true repentance. Are you aware of this extraordinary event, and can you imagine why it's unparalleled?

As John straightened the path of truth and holiness through the "Baptism of Repentance" by water, Jesus walked in from Galilee to the Jordan River. Jesus didn't come to assess or inquire about John's work but to receive the "Baptism of Water." This was the Divine Person John had prophesied would come after him – six months younger yet infinitely more powerful.

Jesus, the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, humbly came to John for the "Baptism of Water." This moment was unparalleled, profound, and spiritually transformative. Behold, dear brothers! Note the significance of the 'Baptism of Water': Jesus, with the divine power to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, came to John by the Jordan River to receive the 'Baptism of Water.'
As written in Scripture (Matthew 3:13), "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John."

Holy, Yet Seeking Baptism

Jesus, born holy and untainted by ancestral or personal sin, possessed the divine power to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. As a permanent member of the Trinity, the 'unique and invisible spiritual community,' He didn't require the 'Baptism of Water.' Yet, Jesus humbly stepped into the Jordan River to reveal the significance and importance of the 'Baptism of Water' administered by John the Baptist.

Baptism: A Sacred Ritual:

Jesus' arrival for the 'Baptism of Water' demonstrates solidarity with humanity, emphasizing repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual rebirth. Those who renounce sin absolutely through true repentance (prayer) and persistent prayer and fasting are welcomed into the 'unique and invisible spiritual community,' uniting with the Trinity.

As recorded in Matthew 3:13-15, Jesus Christ, cornerstone of this community, affirms the sacred nature of baptism:

Matthew 3:13-15 - Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

Through this sacred ritual, people are united with the Trinity and each other in equal holiness and righteousness, while living in this world.

John the Baptist's Decency:

Despite being six months older, John acknowledged Jesus' unparalleled power. Filled with humility, he said, 'I baptize with water, but the one coming after me will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.' This humility led John to hesitate in baptizing Jesus, demonstrating extraordinary respect for the Lord God, as recorded in Matthew 3:14, 'But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?'"

Behold! John the Baptist's humility, a testament to his membership in the 'unique and invisible spiritual community.' Instead of boasting about his accomplishments, he considered them insignificant. He didn't claim reward or exploit Jesus' arrival for the 'Baptism of Water' for personal gain. Rather, he humbly requested Jesus to withdraw, acknowledging his own unworthiness. John's words exemplify absolute humility, as taught in Matthew 5:3-8, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.... Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.' John truly saw God.

Behold! John the Baptist, due to his humility, witnesses the real presence of God. While conversing with Jesus, he remains humble, displaying gentleness and decency. As a member of the 'unique and invisible spiritual community,' he seeks to associate others with similar membership. Being a prophet, he desires the same for others.

Do we love others like John the Baptist? Due to his humility, he tells Jesus, 'You don't require the Baptism of Water, nor am I worthy to baptize You. Lord, please depart from me.'

A Pertinent Question Arises:

A pertinent question arises: Did John's humility, decency, and gentleness deter Jesus? No! Jesus was determined to reveal the divine significance of the Baptism of Water, and He too wanted to demonstrate the behaviour and attitude of the one who administers the 'Baptism of Water' and on whom it is administered. Thus, He stepped into the Jordan River, as recorded in Matthew 3:15, 'Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” Then John consented.'"

Hesitant John the Baptist, instead of opposing Jesus, consented to listening to Him. He had heard the voice of Lord God in the wilderness and chose to be His voice, administering the sacred ritual of ‘Baptism of Water’. When Jesus, the Son of God, appeared before him, requesting baptism, John couldn't deter. He heard God's voice in the wilderness and obeyed; he heard Him at the Jordan River and obeyed, recognizing their spiritual kinship. As Jesus later said, 'My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice' (Luke 8:21). John's obedience united him with God's spiritual family, the Trinity.

Humility and decency in John the Baptist kinship him with Jesus. He absolutely renounced greed, enviousness, lust, adultery, anger, and every vice, surrendering completely to serve the truth. Wonderful! His immense humility and decency made him great, as stated in Matthew 11:10-12: 'This is the one about whom it is written: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you." Truly I tell you, among those born of women, no one has risen greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.'

Jesus highlights John the Baptist's achievements through his humility and decency in the above biblical verse. This pinnacle of achievement is unmatched. We should also cultivate humility and decency to live a sacred life and become members of the Lord God's unique, invisible sacred family. Such individuals decrease in falsehood and grow in truth, securing their ticket to heaven. Unlike a cinema ticket, this ticket cannot be purchased for others; one must strive for it personally. How can it be acquired without earning humility and decency? John the Baptist and others like him can only guide and help us. Righteousness cannot be lent or distributed freely; it is a personal matter earned by abandoning untruth and embracing truth. Peter, a devotee like John the Baptist, is another exemplary achiever.

Jesus Christ's Decency:

Visualize the scene of Jesus' Baptism. Jesus stepped into the water and stood one step below John the Baptist, awaiting Baptism. Meanwhile, John stood a step above, ready to administer the sacred ritual. In an extraordinary display of humility and decency, Jesus submitted to John. Both exemplifying exceptional humility and decency, John administered the Baptism of Water with great faith and righteousness.

"Let's visualize the scene where Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, stands one step below John the Baptist to receive baptism. Observe His extraordinary humility, decency, and righteousness. Meanwhile, we refuse to relinquish our arrogance and stubbornness. Even when we're wrong, we don't humble ourselves to apologize, instead:

- Blame others
- Try to justify ourselves
- Consider ourselves superior
- Misuse our authority to oppress and exploit others
- Seek praise and flattery

Shouldn't we be ashamed? We claim to be Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, but do our actions reflect His or John the Baptist's character? Do we learn from Him to transform our lives?

We merely chant 'Lord! Lord!' and deliver eloquent sermons, but refuse to emulate His humility. We think Jesus' blood will save us! Let’s think again! Why didn't His blood save the other crucified thief? Only those who desire salvation will be saved.

In future articles, I'll reveal the sacred mystery of Jesus Christ's body and blood, by God's grace.

Are our churches, filled with discord and division, free from such petty behaviour? If not, how can Jesus Christ, embodying humility, decency, purity, and righteousness, be present? The Bible verse Matthew 5:3-12 clearly states:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Presence of Jesus Christ:

We rejoice that, just before His Baptism of Water, Jesus declared it a sacrament and, by participating, sealed it with heavenly approval. This ensures His presence today when a member of His one true spiritual family prepares to administer or receive Baptism of Water in the physical church, reflecting His spiritual family. Evidence of this will be revealed as I disclose, by God's grace, Jesus' necessity for Baptism of Water.

To be Continued…..

Please read the Baptism of Fire & Holy Spirit' in the next article.

Amen!

Praise be to God, Thanks be to God.

Not being Unrighteous is Religion!!

Jharkhand! Peace be upon you!!

India! Peace be upon you!!

Peace to the whole world!!