Washed and Fed · Stop 1

What is Baptism, and what does God do in it?

Water is ordinary. You drink it, wash with it, and splash through it. But when Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven spoke. Today you'll find out what happens when God's word is joined to plain water.

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Water and Word

Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John. As he came up out of the water, the Spirit came down like a dove, and a voice said, “You are my Son, the Beloved.” After he rose from the dead, Jesus sent his friends to baptize people everywhere.

Luther asked the question kids ask: how can water do anything? His answer: it can't, by itself. What matters is God's word joined to the water. God makes a promise, and the water carries it to you, with your own name on it.

Lutherans baptize babies, kids, teens, and grown-ups. A baby can't say yes yet, and that is the point. Baptism is God's yes to you, before you did anything at all. People in the ELCA are baptized once, because God's promise doesn't wear out.

Not baptized? You are welcome here, and you belong in every stop of this book. Baptism is a gift for any age. If you're curious, talk with a pastor. There's no test to pass first.

Read it in your Bible

Mark 1:9–11. Jesus comes to the Jordan River and John baptizes him. As Jesus comes up out of the water, the heavens open, the Spirit comes down on him like a dove, and a voice says he is God's beloved Son.
Matthew 28:18–20. After he rises from the dead, Jesus sends his followers to make disciples of every nation. They are to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach. He promises to be with them always.

Holy Baptism, from Luther's Small Catechism

What is Baptism? Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

What does Baptism give or profit? It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Words to know

Font. The bowl or pool in church that holds the water for Baptism. Many churches put the font near the door, so everyone passes it on the way in. It's a reminder of God's promise.
Word. What Luther says is joined to the water, so it's more than plain water. God's promise is what makes Baptism a gift. The water carries the word to you.
Promise. What God makes to you in Baptism, and never takes back. People can break promises. This one depends on God, so it holds.
Name. Said out loud at Baptism, along with the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God doesn't claim people in general. God claims you, by name.
Baptism. The sacrament of water and God's word, where God claims you as God's own. It happens once, and it lasts your whole life.