There is power in identification. Jesus identified with all of humanity by taking on a body. Jesus further identified with us by taking our place under the Law in allowing himself to be baptized. Jesus was allowing himself to be subjected to the limitations of what it was to be human. In all this it is essential to remember that Jesus was without sin.

As Jesus identified with us, we can now identify with him. Water baptism has often been called the believer's first act of obedience. Baptism is a public testimony marking our stance in willful identification with Jesus. Paul explains it this way: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (John 6:4). We can say "Amen" to that.