1"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
what i want to look at is what is in bold. we know that jesus brought the holy spirit and you know this by the flames over there heads of the apostles. did john also mean by tirals, and hard ships for christ?
also in matthew 3 is the baptism of jesus. many people belive you have to be baptized to be saved many think it is something that is volunter. here is what i beliveve baptizem is. it is a part of being saved, can you be saved with out baptism i am not the one to answer that. but i believe that baptizm is a public comment that you are makeing in front of people. by being baptized you are telling these people, i am giving my life to christ, but i can not do it alone i need your help. you will help me be more like christ and i will help you.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
growing up i have been tought ath when jesus was baptized it would be is a big crowd. then then the voice form heaven, said this is my son. how come theis was not enough for them. i can understadn today with speakers and mic and such, but back then from heaven, with a brid. how many people just have a wild brid land on his shoulder?
any more thoughts?
-a wee little man
1 comment:
“did john also mean by tirals, and hard ships for christ?” (Wee Man)
The thing about ’fire’ as a symbol is it means judgment a lot – and when used by John the Baptist in this same chapter that is what ‘fire’ represents. However, fire also means refining – or making something more workable. The aspect you hit upon is interesting – maybe fire can also mean ‘trials/hardships’? I think it could very well be part of the usage in some senses.
However, for me, in this passage ‘fire’ does represent judgment – since this idea is used about a community of people and not an individual. The fire is simply the idea these teachings will divide people since this is a very contentious issue in Israel – the Messiah idea. Which we find it does – in the gospels and then Acts. Jesus does become a separating line in the local communities – even into Gentile societies (ex: roman world). So maybe the baptism with ‘fire’ is enduring hardships – I would be willing to work on this idea with you and I agree – great point!
Post a Comment