Luke 3:21-38

1. We see the high honor the Lord Jesus has put on baptism.
2. We see the close connection that ought to exist between the administration of baptism and prayer.
3. We see a remarkable proof of the doctrine of the Trinity.
4. We see a marvelous proclamation of our Lord's office as Mediator between God and man.
5. We see what a frail and dying creature is man.

"Let it suffice us to hold firmly the general principle, that baptism was graciously intended by our Lord to be a help to His Church, and "a means of grace," and that, when rightly and worthily used, we may confidently look upon it for a blessing."

"A baptism without prayer, it may be confidently asserted, is a baptism on which we have no right to expect God's blessing."

"The enemies of our souls are mighty, but the Friends of our souls are mightier still. The whole power of the triune Jehovah is engaged upon our side."

"Forever let us bless God, that in a dying world we are able to turn to a living Savior, "I am he," says Jesus, "who lives and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore." "I am the resurrection and the life."

Questions:

1. What place does baptism have for you or your church? If you have not been baptized, does the fact that Christ was baptized not encourage you to follow him in obedience? If you have been, is it a means of grace and blessing to remember you belong to Jesus Christ?

2. Do we understand that the act of baptism is a means of grace only as the inward reality is there and it is met with us in prayer?

3. Are we aware of, and do we give thanks to, the Triune God for our salvation, or do we tend to only think of Jesus, the second person of the Trinity? Does such a thought not, even now, bring you comfort and strength on this journey?

4. Do we find our confidence and joy in the fact we have a perfect Mediator between us and the Father through Jesus Christ? Do we believe that all our sins can be fully forgiven in Him alone?

5. Are we aware of our frailty or do we live day-by-day like tomorrow is owed to us? In light of this, isn’t a risen and glorious Savior all the more marvelous?