“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3:11 (NIV)
This verse is a clear comparison between John’s ministry and our Lord’s ministry.
John baptizes (immerses) with water
Our Lord baptizes (immerses) with the Spirit and fire.
John is a prophet of God with authority and power.
Our Lord has more authority and power than John.
John has status among the people of God.
Our Lord has so much status that John can’t carry His shoes.
John baptized people as preparation for the kingdom to come.
Our Lord baptizes people to bring them into the kingdom.
John demanded the people live up to their baptism with changed lives.
The baptism from our Lord gives us the ability to live changed lives.
People received John’s baptism by going out to John and confessing their sins.
So it is with our Lord- confession of our sins brings us to His feet.
“God have mercy on me a sinner.”
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