Lessons from the Gospel of John: Six Points About Baptism (Part 5)

Actually, Jesus was not baptizing people. His disciples were. (John 4:2)

Matthew Henry makes six points about this one verse that can be used a lessons for us today. Even though his work was first published in 1714 it has ample value today.  I will begin to go through these points and discuss them as they apply to 21st century believers.

Point 5: He would reserve himself for the honor of baptizing with the Holy Ghost.

John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5)  However, I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the helper won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)

Jesus was on the earth as a human but He said that He had to leave so that He could send us the Holy Spirit. As a human He interacted one on one with people over a small area of land. Throughout the book of Acts we see the Holy Spirit motivated and empowered hundred (thousands?) of first century believers to spread the gospel over all of the known earth. On the day that Jesus sent the Comforter one person, Peter, preached a sermon and 3000 people were saved! Time and time again we see recorded examples of His work with people and through people to God's glory.

Today’s lesson: Jesus sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to empower believers to do the works of God in a lost and dying world. Jesus still sends the Holy Spirit to believers today for the same purpose. God is still a healing God. What was needed then is needed even more today. As we get closer to the day when He will return we will need His help even more than we do today.

We cannot expect to win spiritual battles with the power of the flesh. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Since our battle is spiritual we MUST have the strength and power of the Holy Spirit.

Those who say that the gifts of the Spirit were for the first century or that they were apostolic gifts usually use 1 Corinthians 13:8 as a proof text. Yes, these three gifts mentioned, along with all of the other gifts will cease or come to an end – when they are no longer needed. That will be when Jesus returns. We are often quick to say that we “can do all things through Christ who is our strength” and it is through the Holy Spirit that He strengthens us. Without the Holy Spirit’s power and strength we will lose this battle and the next and the one after that.

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  1. 1234aussie said:

    If you are implying that christ didn’t baptise at all you are not correct John cht3 :22 kj and my bible says to the passage refered too christ baptised but not as many as his deciples . and if any of the gifts of the spirit are abscent it is through lack of faith.

    October 15, 2011
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  2. Rev. Tim Lehmann said:

    I’m not implying anything. The Bible says “Actually, Jesus was not baptizing people. His disciples were”. It was a common practice to say that a master does something when in fact the apprentices or servants actually do the work. We still do this today. Most of the research and work done by professors is actually done by grad students working on masters or doctorates. The professor gets the credit and the student gets the papers. The point of these six devotions is that Jesus did not PHYSICALLY dunk anyone, as pointed out in verse 2 of chapter 4.

    October 15, 2011
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  3. 1234aussie said:

    Your not listening, suggest you read the passages to show Christ DID baptise with water while on the earth .http://www.centerolace.org/hs/

    October 16, 2011
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