September 15
A Step of
Obedience
"Don’t you know that all of us were baptized into Christ Jesus? We were baptized into his death. By being baptized, we were buried with Christ into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we also can live a new life."
Romans 6:3-4 (NIrV)
In Matthew 16:1-18:35, we witness pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry, including Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Transfiguration, and Jesus' teachings on discipleship, forgiveness, and the church. This passage underscores the importance of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the foundation of the church.
Lilly sat on the edge of her bed, scrolling through her phone. Her church’s announcement had popped up on her screen—Baptism Sunday was coming up. She had heard people talk about baptism before, but she wasn’t sure if it was for her. Do I need to do this? What does it even mean?
She quickly messaged her friend Jane, who had been a Christian longer than she had. “Hey, can we talk? I have questions about baptism.”
A few hours later, the two sat in a quiet corner of a coffee shop. Jane smiled warmly as Lilly played with the lid of her drink. “So, what’s on your mind?”
Lilly hesitated. “I love Jesus. I know I’ve changed since I gave my life to Him. But I don’t get why baptism matters. I mean, I already believe, so what does water have to do with anything?”
Jane nodded. “I totally get it. I had the same questions before I was baptized. But think of it this way—baptism is like a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married, but it shows the world that you are. Baptism is an outward sign of the inward change that’s already happened in you.”
Stirring her drink absentmindedly, Lilly sighed. “I was baptized as a baby. Doesn’t that count?”
Jane smiled. “That’s a great question. A lot of people wonder about that. The thing is, baptism is something we do after we choose to follow Jesus. As a baby, you didn’t get to make that decision. Now that you believe in Him, this is your chance to show your commitment for yourself.”
Lilly sipped her coffee, considering Jane’s words. “So, it’s not just about getting dunked in water?”
Jane chuckled. “Not at all. When we go under the water, it symbolizes dying to our old life, just like Jesus died for our sins. And when we come up, it represents being raised to new life in Him. It’s a way of telling the world, ‘I belong to Jesus now.’”
Lilly frowned. “But if I already believe, why do I need to do it at all?”
Jane leaned in. “Well, Jesus Himself was baptized. He didn’t need to be, but He did it as an example for us. And He also commanded His followers to be baptized. It’s not just a tradition—it’s an act of obedience.”
A lump formed in Lilly’s throat. She had felt the changes in her heart—how her anger had softened, how her fears didn’t control her like before. Maybe this was her next step. “I think… I want to do it.”
That night, she knelt by her bed. “God, I want to follow You with everything I have. If Jesus was baptized and told us to do the same, then I want to obey. Give me the courage to take this step.”
On Baptism Sunday, as she stepped into the water, a sense of peace filled her. She wasn’t just doing this to follow a tradition—she was following Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for showing us the way through Jesus.
Sometimes I have doubts and questions, but I want to obey You.
Help me to follow You completely and take the steps You have called me to take.
Let my faith be more than just words—let it be action.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
