Devotion: “Don’t Forget to Baptize”
Scripture Reading:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19 (RSV)
Personal Reflection:
In our journey through the Great Commission, we’ve seen that Jesus calls us to go, to disciple, and to reach all nations. Today, we turn to a command that is often overlooked or delayed—baptism.
When Jesus issued the Great Commission, He made baptism a central part of the disciple-making process. He didn’t say to baptize once a person has completed a multi-week course or mastered a doctrinal statement. He said, as you are going, as you are discipling, you are also to baptize.
In the book of Acts, this practice is clear. The Philippian jailer was baptized that very hour of the night (Acts 16:33). The Ethiopian eunuch, upon hearing the gospel, eagerly asked, “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). These accounts show us that baptism followed conversion, not months or years later—but immediately.
“The command to be baptized is not an optional add-on to salvation—it is the public declaration of one’s union with Christ.” — John Calvin (paraphrased)
Today, we often treat baptism like a graduation ceremony. But the early church treated it like a birth certificate—a sign that new life in Christ had begun, a public, joyful, obedient proclamation of the inward work of grace.
Contemplation:
Have you been baptized as a believer in Christ?
If not, what’s stopping you? The question should not be, “Am I ready?” but “What is to prevent me?” If you have repented and believed in Christ, the invitation is open. Baptism isn’t for the perfect—it’s for the redeemed.
And for those of us who have been baptized: Are we taking this part of the Great Commission seriously as we disciple others? Jesus didn’t say pastors should baptize; He said disciples should. Every believer who is leading others to Christ is also entrusted with the privilege and responsibility to baptize.
“Baptism is not the end of discipleship, but its beginning.” — A.W. Tozer (paraphrased)
Don’t neglect this sacred practice. Baptism is the joyful declaration that someone has stepped from death into life. Don’t delay it. Don’t downplay it. And don’t forget to include it as you go and make disciples.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the gift of baptism—this beautiful picture of dying to sin and rising in new life with Christ. Forgive me for any way I’ve minimized or neglected this sacred command. Remind me that Your instructions are not optional but vital.
If I haven’t been baptized as a follower of Jesus, give me the boldness and humility to take that step of obedience. And if I am leading others in faith, help me not to skip this step. Let me be faithful to baptize others as I go, as I teach, and as I disciple.
May our churches return to the simplicity and urgency of the early church—baptizing without delay and celebrating each soul that comes home.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Today’s Challenge:
If you haven’t been baptized since placing your faith in Jesus, make a plan today to take that step. If you have, ask God to lead you to someone in your life whom you are discipling—and when the time comes, don’t forget to baptize them. It’s not just tradition—it’s obedience.
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