Symbols are everywhere. We see golden arches, bitten apples, and bowties in front of vehicles, all pointing to a "brand." Symbols suggest belonging, these images connect people to things, things to people, and people to people.
The same is true with Jesus. We belong to Him, and in belonging to Him, He commands us to align with a symbol. That symbol is baptism. If baptism is like a symbol, then let me be branded as a follower of Christ!