John may not have invented baptism, but he sure did popularize it! The Jews were familiar with ritual washings, and they used to baptize their new converts to Judaism. John used it as a sign of repentance and commitment to a new way of life. When Christ and Christians adopted water baptism, the symbolism grew much deeper, but it all goes back to what John was doing in the wilderness. Let's rejoin Jim's sermon, No One Greater than John, as the Lord is arguing with the Pharisees in Matthew 22. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS07212021_1.mp3Scripture References: Luke 7; Matthew 21 & 22